The power to adapt: how can partnerships help with technology transitions?

The transition to SF6-free switchgear is one of the most significant technological shifts in the history of medium-voltage infrastructure – and it’s happening at a time of unprecedented pressure on the grid.

Utilities, known for their cautious approach (rightfully), are being asked to adopt a major new technology while facing soaring electricity demand, evolving regulatory mandates, and increasingly complex grid conditions. It’s no surprise that many are hesitant. In fact, in a recent ABB survey, 83 per cent of utility decision-makers said they’d only switch to SF6-free technology if mandated by regulation.  So how do we move forward?   

Andrea Estrada-Hein, EVP, Global Business Line – Switchgear at ABB Distribution Solutions, explains how the answer isn’t just in technology. It’s in partnership.

Why utilities need confidence, not just products 

Utilities are responsible for keeping the lights on. That role demands conservatism – because reliability comes first. A new switchgear technology, especially one as impactful as SF6-free alternatives, brings valid concerns: will it perform? Will it integrate smoothly? Will it disrupt existing protection philosophies?

These concerns are compounded by the scale of change happening on the grid. According to the IEA, electricity’s share of global energy use is expected to more than double by 2050. Grids are expanding, modernising, and digitising – all at once. Utilities need support that extends beyond component delivery. They need manufacturers who are ready to co-plan, co-develop, and commit to the long game. 

Futureproofing starts with collaboration 

The pace of electrification also means utilities can no longer afford static solutions.  But future proof isn’t just about product design, it’s about strategic collaboration.

As regulations evolve, so must the systems that support the grid. When utilities and technology providers work together early, they can shape solutions that don’t just meet compliance today but remain adaptable tomorrow. This is where partnerships make the biggest difference. They allow for shared visibility, mutual planning, and the kind of iterative development that truly future-proofs infrastructure.   

Innovation ss a team sport    

By embedding innovation into procurement strategies, utilities can gain early access to game-changing features while shaping them to fit specific operational contexts –whether that’s harsh climates, space constraints, or legacy system integration.   

At ABB, we’ve designed our SF6-free switchgear portfolio to be as close to a “drop-in” replacement as possible, with consistent footprints, familiar interfaces, and compatibility with existing equipment. That kind of continuity only happens when product development is informed directly by utility needs.   

The bottom line: no one can do this alone 

The SF6 phase-out isn’t just about regulation. It’s about rethinking how we build, operate, and evolve the grid.

And that can’t happen through one-off purchases or short-term fixes. It requires partnerships rooted in trust, deep technical collaboration, and a shared commitment to progress.

By working side-by-side, utilities and technology providers like ABB can create infrastructure that’s not only SF6-free – but resilient, efficient, and ready for the future.