Asia | May 12, 2025

Hitachi unveils SF6-free 550 kV switchgear innovation

Hitachi Energy delivers world's first 550 kV SF6-free GIS to China's State Grid, advancing eco-efficient power systems and carbon neutrality goals.

 

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Image credit: Hitachi Energy

China: Hitachi Energy has announced the delivery of the world’s first 550 kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) free from sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) to the Central China Branch of the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC). This groundbreaking development supports China’s efforts to decarbonize its energy infrastructure and reach its 2060 carbon neutrality target.

As a global utility provider, SGCC supplies power to over 1.1 billion people across most of China. It has committed to reducing emissions and advancing low-carbon power systems. Hitachi Energy’s new switchgear, part of its EconiQ® line, offers a reliable, compact, and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional SF6-based technology.

SF6, widely used in high-voltage switchgear, has a global warming potential over 24,000 times that of CO₂. The new EconiQ solution replaces SF6 with a sustainable gas mixture, significantly lowering environmental risks while maintaining operational performance.

A representative from SGCC emphasized the importance of this innovation, stating that the switchgear marks a key pilot project for cleaner energy technologies. It aligns with SGCC’s strategy for greener grid infrastructure and is a significant step toward achieving its dual carbon targets.

Markus Heimbach, head of Hitachi Energy’s High Voltage Products unit, said the company is proud to support SGCC with its advanced technologies and continues to expand its eco-efficient product offerings, including GIS, circuit breakers, and retrofill solutions. These offerings help utilities worldwide transition toward more sustainable, resilient, and future-ready power grids.

Source: Hitachi Energy