Global | April 4, 2025

Shaping SF6-free switchgear standards for sustainable future

Hitachi Energy’s Dr. Michael Gatzche discusses the critical role of standardizing SF6-free switchgear for eco-efficient power grids.

 

gas insulated switchgear

Image for illustration purposes

The transition to SF6-free high voltage switchgear is gaining momentum as the power industry embraces eco-efficient alternatives to sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). In a recent Hitachi Energy’s Power Pulse podcast, Dr. Michael Gatzche, Head of Interrupter and GCB Technology Development, High Voltage Products business unit, discussed the critical need for standardizing SF6-free technologies to ensure safety, interoperability, and long-term reliability in power grids.

SF6 has long been the standard due to its excellent insulation properties, but it is also the most potent greenhouse gas, contributing significantly to global warming. As SF6-free alternatives emerge, manufacturers and regulatory bodies must collaborate to create clear guidelines for performance, safety, and maintenance.

The standardization process involves multiple phases, from research and technical findings to global regulatory bodies like IEC and IEEE defining standards. Though a global SF6-free standard would benefit manufacturers, the process must account for regional differences in electricity grids and regulatory requirements.

Collaboration between manufacturers, grid operators, and experts from organizations like CIGRE is crucial to ensuring practical, testable standards that foster innovation and promote the widespread adoption of SF6-free switchgear.

As the power grid continues to evolve to integrate renewable energy sources, the need for standardized, eco-efficient solutions becomes even more critical. Dr. Gatzche emphasized that by working together, the industry can ensure a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable future for energy infrastructure.

Source: Hitachi Energy