SGCC taps Hitachi Energy for SF6-free 550 kV gas-insulated switchgear
Image courtesy Hitachi Energy
In what they are calling “the world’s first pilot application”, Hitachi Energy will supply its SF6-free 550 kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) to the Central China Branch of the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC).
SGCC, the world’s largest utility company, selected tech company Hitachi Energy for their sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)-free 550 kV GIS, which is part of their EconiQ portfolio.
According to Hitachi Energy in a release, the technology strengthens critical infrastructure while significantly reducing the environmental impact of the power system. By replacing SF6 with a sustainable gas mixture, says the company, their GIS eliminates the greenhouse gas emissions caused by SF6 while maintaining the performance and compact design from conventional solutions.
SF6 has a global warming potential 24,300 times higher than CO2 and remains in the atmosphere for over 1,000 years if it leaks from the equipment.
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An official from the Central China Branch of SGCC said in a release, “In recent years, SGCC has been comprehensively promoting the emission reduction of power grid equipment and its clean and low-carbon development. Using an alternative gas to replace SF₆ can effectively reduce the consumption and emission of greenhouse gases.
“This project is the world’s first pilot application of 550 kV SF6-free GIS, which is of great significance to the Central China Branch of SGCC and will contribute to the clean transformation of the electrical industry to achieve the dual carbon goals.”
Hitachi Energy has been providing SGCC with 145 kV EconiQ eco-efficient GIS and live tank circuit breaker LTA products since 2022.
The EconiQ high-voltage series includes SF6-free LTA, GIS, gas-insulated lines (GIL), dead tank circuit breakers (DTB) for various voltage levels, and retrofill for GIL.
Said Markus Heimbach, managing director of Business Unit High Voltage Products, Hitachi Energy: “The world’s first SF6-free 550 kV GIS represents a major milestone in our journey to provide sustainable and efficient power grid solutions, and we’re pleased to collaborate with SGCC on this pioneering project.
“By leveraging our expertise in high-voltage technology, we are addressing the industry’s demand for reliable and eco-efficient high-voltage switchgear and helping to accelerate the transition to a more sustainable, flexible, and secure energy system.”
SGCC serves over 1.1 billion people across 88% of China’s national territory.
