Hitachi, Ltd. has introduced that it has obtained an order from Chubu Electric Power Grid for its EconiQ 550 kilovolt (kV) sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)-free gas-insulated switchgear (GIS). This marks the world’s first undertaking involving 550 kV GIS that’s totally SF6-free, a major step in the direction of lowering greenhouse gasoline emissions in Japan’s energy grid.
The EconiQ 550-kV GIS know-how is designed to scale back CO2-equivalent emissions from the insulating gasoline by 99% in comparison with conventional SF6-insulated tools. This development helps Chubu Electric Power Grid’s efforts to create a extra sustainable transmission community amid rising electrical energy demand pushed by elevated electrification and the growth of information facilities.
SF6 gasoline has been a staple in energy grids as a consequence of its superior insulation and switching capabilities. However, it poses a major environmental problem because it has a worldwide warming potential 24,300 occasions larger than CO2 and may persist within the environment for over 1,000 years. Although Japan at the moment lacks laws on phasing out SF6 tools, many governments globally are transferring in the direction of eliminating its use to fight local weather change.
In 2024, Chubu Electric Power Grid launched a coverage to undertake SF6-free tools throughout varied voltage courses, together with GIS for voltages as much as 77 kV and circuit breakers rated at 275 kV and above. Following this coverage and aiming to speed up its carbon neutrality objectives, the corporate has now opted for SF6-free tools for its 550 kV GIS, which will probably be built-in into its primary transmission community.
Hitachi Energy, which launched its EconiQ high-voltage portfolio in 2021, goals to assist the trade’s transition to SF6-free applied sciences. The EconiQ merchandise present an eco-efficient different to SF6 gasoline, sustaining the efficiency, measurement, security, and reliability of standard tools whereas eliminating greenhouse gasoline emissions.
This strategic transfer by Chubu Electric Power Grid and Hitachi underscores the rising demand for environmentally pleasant options within the power sector, highlighting the steadiness between rising electrical energy demand and the necessity to decarbonize energy techniques.