Breakthrough in EHV: First Entirely SF6-Free 550 kV GIS Order Confirmed for Japan
Hitachi Energy marks a global milestone with the deployment of its EconiQ technology at the 550 kV level, eliminating SF6 across the entire switchgear installation.
Image credit: Hitachi Energy
Hitachi, Ltd. has secured a landmark order from Chubu Electric Power Grid for its EconiQ 550 kV sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)-free gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). This represents the world’s first project where a 550 kV GIS installation will be entirely free of SF6 across all components, including breakers and busbars. The EconiQ technology utilizes an eco-efficient gas mixture that reduces the CO2-equivalent footprint by 99% compared to traditional SF6 insulation.
Historically, SF6 has been the industry standard for high-voltage insulation due to its dielectric properties, despite its high global warming potential. This deployment in Japan’s backbone transmission network demonstrates that SF6-free alternatives can now meet the rigorous technical demands of Extra-High Voltage (EHV) systems without compromising on performance, size, or reliability. This project serves as a critical proof-of-concept for utilities globally as they face tightening F-gas regulations.
Source: Hitachi Energy
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