UK’s first non-SF6 switchgear energized
SP Energy Networks and Lucy Electric launch UK's first SF6-free switchgear, marking a major step toward sustainable, low-emission power infrastructure.
Image credit: Lucy Electric
The UK: SP Energy Networks (SPEN) has activated the UK’s first SF6-free ring main unit (RMU), signaling a major advancement in the move toward a low-carbon electricity grid. Developed in partnership with Lucy Electric, the innovative Sabre EcoTec unit was installed at a substation in SPEN’s Mid-Cheshire district. It replaces sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a potent greenhouse gas, with synthetic air, drastically cutting emissions.
Each unit is expected to reduce over 33 t of CO2, equivalent to driving more than 135,000 km (84,000 mi) in a standard vehicle. This milestone not only meets rising environmental standards but also anticipates the UK’s upcoming 2026 ban on SF6. Designed to UK distribution specifications, the compact RMU fits within existing substation layouts and mounts directly onto transformers, eliminating the need for costly infrastructure changes.
SPEN’s collaboration with Lucy Electric has shaped a product that includes automation capabilities and aligns with both current requirements and future network demands. This launch supports SPEN’s vision of building fully sustainable substations, environmentally responsible from design through operation.
Eddie Mulholland of SPEN emphasized the broader impact, calling the project a “milestone for the entire industry” in the shift to greener energy. Lucy Electric CEO John Griffiths noted that wide deployment of EcoTec could cut millions of tons of CO2 annually. This partnership represents a major leap forward in UK grid innovation and climate action.
Source: Lucy Electric
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