Norway’s Norgesnett to use SF6-free switchgear from Siemens Smart Infrastructure

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has signed a six-year framework agreement with Norgesnett to deliver SF6-free switchgear in the form of the 8DJH 24 – blue GIS switchgear, alongside compact substations.

Norgesnett, a Norwegian distribution utility operating across seven municipalities in south-eastern Norway, serving 102,000 end customers, will deploy the tech across its grid to help transition to eco-friendly networks.

The 8DJH 24 – blue GIS switchgear uses Clean Air, based on natural-origin gases, is free of fluorinated and PFAS gases, and has a global warming potential (GWP) below 1, states Siemens Smart Infrastructure. By combining Clean Air for insulation with Siemens’ vacuum-interrupter technology, blue GIS switchgear helps customers reduce their carbon footprint.

“The framework agreement with Siemens gives us predictable access to critically important materials and equipment, which will boost our environmental and sustainability efforts,” said Vidar Kristoffersen, CEO of Norgesnett.

“We are proud to be the first company in Norway to only use SF6-free switchgear across our grid, thanks to this framework agreement with Siemens, a company known for its long and successful history of developing environmentally friendly solutions.”

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SF6, or sulphur hexafluoride, is a synthetic gas that does not occur naturally in the atmosphere.

The gas has traditionally been used as an insulating and current-interrupting medium in medium-voltage switchgear and installations but has a global warming potential which is 24,300 times higher than that of CO2, when viewed from a 100-year perspective.

By adopting the SF6-free solution from Siemens, Norgesnett will save approximately 1,200 tonnes of CO2 compared to SF6-gas switchgear over the lifetime of the product.

“This agreement with Norgesnett signifies a crucial step forward as we work together to implement SF6-free switchgear solutions across national grids,” said Stephan May, CEO of Electrification and Automation at Siemens Smart Infrastructure.

“By leveraging Siemens’ innovative blue GIS portfolio, powered by Clean Air insulation technology, we are driving forward sustainable power distribution in Norway. This collaboration demonstrates our shared dedication to environmental stewardship and reinforces our role in providing future-proof solutions for the energy sector.”