Lucy Electric launches UK’s first non-SF6 ring main unit

Lucy Electric has launched the UK’s first ring main unit (RMU) for medium voltage networks using synthetic air.

The Thame-based power distribution solutions developer launched EcoTech, which uses a nitrogen and oxygen blend instead of the SF6-gas currently used to insulate critical electrical network equipment.

Although the use of SF6 gases is handled in a highly controlled way, a ban on their use in new and replacement switchgear is expected to be implemented in the UK following an EU ban in 2026.

EcoTec, says the company in a release, was designed and developed in the UK for the UK market and comes ahead of the EU F-Gas regulations, which will be effective January 1, 2026, banning the use of SF6 for up to 24kV and the likely implementation of this by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) in the UK.

EcoTec, says Lucy Electric, is also designed to fit within the same substation housing space as current switchgear and aligns with existing concrete slab fixings, further reducing emissions of replacement.

Lucy Electric claims to be the first company to bring such switchgear to market that meets the specifications of UK network operators, providing companies the ability to instal the improved equipment ahead of the ban coming into force.

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The launch follows years of feasibility and working with customers to inform the requirements of the SF6 alternative.

Martin Sweeney, global head of product management at Lucy Electric, said: “Alongside our customers, Lucy Electric is focused on meeting net zero commitments and EcoTec is specifically designed to reduce the emissions of UK network operators in an efficient and cost-effective way.

“We have listened extensively to customer feedback to optimise the design of our switchgear such as embedding the control unit and the smart solutions, including remote control available as standard.”

According to Lucy Electric, the technology will also be adapted for deployment to international markets in the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Australia.