Hitachi Energy and National Grid in the UK have successfully energised a pilot project replacing SF6 in installed high voltage gas-insulated lines with an eco-efficient fluoronitrile-based gas mixture. This retrofill solution is part of Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ™ portfolio which is designed to deliver better environmental performance compared to conventional solutions.
The pioneering SF6 replacement pilot project has been successfully implemented in Richborough, UK.
As one of the world’s largest investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities, National Grid aims to remove all SF6 from its fleet by 2050. In this pioneering pilot project implemented in Richborough, National Grid has replaced SF6 from 420 kV gas-insulated lines installed in 2016, eliminating 755 kg of SF6.
For decades SF6 has been used in the electrical industry due to its excellent insulation and current interruption properties. However, it has a high Global Warming Potential (GWP) and requires careful handling. Hitachi Energy is reducing the use of SF6 on a continuing basis, improving its lifecycle management and accelerating the development of eco-efficient products.
“We have a responsibility to help our customers like National Grid to accelerate the energy transition,” said Markus Heimbach, Managing Director of High Voltage Products business at Hitachi Energy. “Innovative EconiQ retrofill technology for installed gas-insulated lines, together with the new EconiQ switchgear and breakers portfolio will enable our customers and the industry as a whole to reduce the carbon footprint and rapidly transition to eco-efficient solutions.”
Chris Bennett, Acting President of National Grid said, “Climate change is the greatest challenge of our time and this new, transformational, green technology will help achieve wide-scale decarbonisation on our electricity transmission network. The retrofill solution replaces SF6, cutting emissions and network outages, and saving costs at the same time by avoiding the need to spend on costly replacement equipment. We are proud to be working with Hitachi Energy and to demonstrate a practical solution to a significant issue in the energy industry’s transition to net zero.”
EconiQ is Hitachi Energy’s eco-efficient portfolio for sustainability, where products, services and solutions are proven to deliver exceptional environmental performance. Recently, the company announced the acceleration of its development of eco-efficient solutions, outlining its extensive EconIQ roadmap for switchgear and breakers in various voltage levels. Hitachi Energy has placed sustainability at the heart of its purpose and strives to advance a sustainable energy future for all.
For more information visit: www.hitachienergy.com
