A forward-thinking SF6-free approach to the energy transition
RM AirSeT installation at the Dalwes substation in South Africa. Credit: Julian Goldswain Photographer
At the foothills of some of the most spectacular mountain ranges in South Africa’s Western Cape lies the province’s largest municipality spanning five working towns. The Drakenstein Municipality is home to Africa’s first RM AirSeT SF6-free MV switchgear technology; an innovation of French multinational Schneider Electric, utilising cutting edge combination of pure air insulation and vacuum for breaking the electrical arc (Shunt Vacuum Interruption).
The climate-friendly MV technology could not have been installed in a more inspiring and forward-thinking utility; one that is driving a sustainable ecosystem through all business verticals, not only electrical distribution. Not to mention, the team within the electrical distribution segment of the utility are some of the most passionate people; this is something truly inspiring and necessary to drive the power sector transformation in South Africa, and globally.
SF6-free: Investing in optimal service delivery
For a sustainable future, the elimination of SF6 gas, the most powerful greenhouse gas, from electric distribution networks has become critical; and in parts of the world such as Europe, China, and California (USA) a governmental order. The latest data indicates a global warming potential of 25,200, i.e., that 1kg of SF6 has the same global warming impact over a century as 25,200kg of CO2. To put this into perspective, this equates to five years (100,000km) of driving your car.
While in South Africa regulation is not yet in place, Leon Laing, Manager: Planning and Customer Services at Drakenstein Municipality is -anticipating regulators to move on this topic in the coming years. Laing is responsible for the municipality’s electric planning and design where forward-thinking for assets of this cost and nature is critical.
When Schneider Electric approached Drakenstein to pilot this new switchgear in South Africa, together with the newly integrated SCADA system and a new substation that was recently rebuilt, Laing couldn’t think of a greater opportunity as they are always seeking better ways of operating to improve service delivery to their customers.
Installation and operation
The procurement and installation process was the same as any other switch installation. With a 3-position switch, RM AirSeT is a ring main unit (RMU) that offers the benefit of familiar operations, an important characteristic for efficiency and enhanced safety.
A well-recognised value feature of gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) lies in its ability to withstand environmental conditions. Indeed, RMA AirSeT features a sealed-for-life tank to continuously offer typical GIS benefits, except its gas is pure air. With all assets, routine maintenance is required in the cable compartment. To ensure the full life-cycle value of this asset – 40 years – not only are optimum environmental conditions required, but annual maintenance must also be carried out. Additionally, the unit has sensors installed which can detect thermal temperatures and will alert the operator of any faults or if any premature maintenance needs to be carried out.
“The new automated switch offers an electronic version which is integrated with our newly installed SCADA system enabling the technician to see the real-time status of the connected substation – we currently have three of eight substations online – which supports the deployment immensely, ultimately increasing client service,” Laing explains.
“While we are only seven months into the switchgear being installed, we continue to monitor regularly and will be able to see the full potential after a full year in operation. Currently, we have no faults to report.”
Investing in the long-term
Elaborating on the technical performance of this new switchgear Laing explains on the asset register the utility planned for 50 years. The RM AirSeT is set for 10,000 switching cycles, and the new design has increased the life cycle from 30 years to 40 years if maintained in the correct conditions. Therefore, it fits perfectly within the municipal environment. “We aim for a 50-year lifespan off equipment.”
Drakenstein Municipality is making decisions that are building the foundations for a Smart City. Expecting increased renewables coming onto the system, the RM AirSeT is a natural fit. Not only is this switchgear IoT connected by default to form a foundational element of a smart grid architecture, but it also offers greater visibility and control of their management and operation.
Read more:
First African SF6-free switchgear installed in South Africa
Elaborating on green digital technology that is future-ready, Vladimir Milovanovic, Vice President Power Systems, Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric, stresses that because the focus is on circular economies of sustainability, the life span of the RM AirSeT has been extended from 30 to 40 years, which means the design needs to be ahead of its time to be competent throughout its lifecycle.
“The future-ready now aspect of the products that we talk about, the RM AirSeT and the whole asset range, have features that have been over-engineered for the current situation with the view that they have an exceptionally long lifespan. They are designed with certain things in mind, such as native digital connectivity, being able to transmit real-time data to various software platforms, both on-premise SCADA and cloud-based, depending on the choice that the end user makes.”
In terms of scalability and the adaptability of this technology to substations of different sizes and configurations, Jerome Micheli explains that Schneider Electric has a full asset range including the SM AirSeT for commercial buildings, the RM AirSeT for electricity companies, and will soon have the GM AirSeT for more energy-intensive industrial businesses.
“Our strategy is adapting our offer based on the needs of the customer. Therefore, we are scalable based on customer need, the specificity of their technology, and the capacity of current & voltage level.”
“We aim for a 50-year lifespan off equipment.” – Leon Laing
Strong communication infrastructure
For utilities looking at rolling out a similar infrastructure system, a key recommendation from this pilot is ensuring that Phase 1 includes the implementation of a solid and smart communication strategy between substations.
Laing noted: “We’ve already started installing fibre communication networks. The fibre communication networks communicate via the two-way cameras in the substation, you can see what is going on in your workshops, and you can see what’s going on where you have installed firmware that you can communicate with.
“If you want a smart network, the system must be able to integrate with your current equipment and/or new equipment, while being able to be upgraded with any software package.
Credible collaboration
Commenting on the importance of strong strategic partnerships, Laing said that having the right partners is key to executing a successful project, especially where the knowledge share of technology and manufacturing on a local level can be developed as it enables the reduction of development time learning from previous experiences and implementing the lessons learned.
Echoing this, Milovanovic says that good collaboration with local partners is fundamental for the success of any project, the ability to have two-way knowledge share and transfer.
“Despite us being a technology provider, and being on the cutting edge of technology, we must rely on a partner with good knowledge of local conditions. And most importantly, a proven track record of manufacturing enclosures and ancillary devices.” This is to ensure that a functional product is delivered to the end user.
“Despite us being a technology provider, and being on the cutting edge of technology, we must rely on a partner with good knowledge of local conditions.” – Vladimir Milovanovic
The future of sustainable switchgear
When looking at the role of sustainable switchgear in the energy industry’s transition towards a cleaner and more sustainable SF6-free future, Milovanovic provides two perspectives: The first is looking at what the forward-thinking Drakenstein municipality is doing as a responsible social citizen and an early adopter of technologies, which is going to benefit both current and future generations.
Secondly, it is looking at governance. In South Africa, there is currently no requirement for SF6-free products, but the governance is known to mirror that of European and IEC standards. “Now that it’s adopted, it’s only a matter of time that we are going to be following with the same regulation.”
Currently, there is a clear regulatory directive in the EU prohibiting the use of SF6 gas as of January 2026. This means, installing products with such a long lifespan gives you a long-time opportunity to position a product, which is going to be fitting the regulatory framework, not just of today but of what is to come.”
“This makes sense not only from the technological but from the investment point of view as well.”
There also must be a full range of scalable products, which is why Schneider Electric will be offering a full suite of SF6-free switchgear complete from the secondary to the primary range, that our customers are going to be able to implement by the latest 2025.
“This is going to play a pivotal role in the energy transition as we move towards achieving a sustainable and ultimately carbon-neutral environment, which we all have a roadmap for, either driven by regulation or our ESG roadmap; we are all going to be working towards it one way or the other.”
Read the full SF6-free series:
Why the energy transition cannot compromise on SF6
Air – the outstanding sustainable alternative to SF6
