Image: Schneider Electric
E.ON has signed a long-term agreement with Schneider Electric to accelerate the deployment of SF6-free MV switchgear across its network.
The agreement, which builds on over 20 years of collaboration, is aimed to ensure E.ON’s early access to SF6-free technology and compliance with the EU’s F-gas regulation that becomes effective from 1 January 2026.
Schneider Electric will supply its GM-AirSeT primary switchgear panels and RM-AirSeT secondary switchgear panels on an annual basis, amounting to a significant portion of E.ON’s primary and secondary requirements.
Prior to the signing of the agreement, a pilot project with SF6-free gas-insulated primary switchgear was launched at E.ON subsidiary Westnetz to assess its suitability for the company’s requirements.
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“In order to actively shape the green transformation in Germany, we are investing massively in a future-proof energy infrastructure,” commented Lisbeth Buschkühl, chief procurement officer of E.ON.
“This long-term contract secures access to SF6-free technologies, supports standardisation and enables a cost-efficient implementation of the energy transition.”
With the replacement of SF6 switchgear with its significant long term global warming potential, the partnership is considered to position the two companies at the forefront of Europe’s energy transition, setting a benchmark for sustainability and innovation in the industry.
Under the EU’s F-gas regulation, SF6 and other F-gases in new MV switchgear up to 24kV are banned from 1 January 2026.
Melton Chang, executive vice president of Power Systems at Schneider Electric, added that the agreement is a powerful example of accelerating the shift to more sustainable, digital energy infrastructure.
“By working with E.ON to deploy SF6-free technologies, we’re not only helping satisfy new regulatory requirements – we’re shaping the future of electricity in Europe.”
The MV switchgear will be provided from Schneider Electric’s centres in Regensburg, Germany and Duna Smart Factory in Hungary.
The company also intends to continue to expand its existing product portfolio of air and gas insulated switchgear to offer SF6-free alternatives for different applications and regions.
For E.ON the long term deal with Schneider Electric is one of a number concluded with a variety of European manufacturers with a value totalling over €6 billion ($7 billion) as the company seeks core components to expand and modernise its grid infrastructure.
A central focus of this procurement is the standardisation of components and stability of the supply chain
Its scope includes, among other things, more than 100,000km of MV and LV cables, 10,000 digital local network stations, more than 500 MV circuit breaker systems for substations, and around 29,000 distribution and power transformers.
