Siemens' Unique Contribution to the WEF for Davos 2025

Global technology giant Siemens provides advancements in sustainable power distribution, showcasing this with the installation of its innovative blue GIS medium-voltage system in Davos, Switzerland.
The alpine town of Davos hosts the World Economic Forum's (WEF) annual summit. The location is a particularly apt choice for this rollout with the next summit scheduled to begin on January 20, 2025.
Commissioned by Elektrizitätswerk Davos AG (EWD), Siemens' new system replaces traditional switchgear reliant on sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) with environmentally-conscious Clean Air insulating gas, setting a new standard for eco-friendly energy infrastructure.
Clean Air is a Siemens technology that helps to decarbonise the distribution of energy.
"The climate-neutral insulation medium used, which is comprised exclusively of natural components from ambient air, is a game changer, removing the need for fluorinated gases," says Jon Turner, Head of Siemens Distribution Systems Businesses for the UK and Ireland.
A climate-conscious solution for Davos
The new system, deployed at the Dorf substation, is a crucial development for Davos, Europe's highest city at 1,560 metres above sea level.
Known for its breathtaking alpine landscapes and as the venue for the annual WEF summit, Davos sees its population swell from a modest 12,000 residents to more than 40,000 during peak seasons.
With in excess of 1.3 million overnight guests recorded in 2023, the town's energy demands are substantial and varied.
EWD's decision to adopt Siemens' blue GIS technology aligns with its commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
Andy Kollegger, CEO of EWD, understands the need for this transition.
“SF6 was never ideal for the environment," he explains.
"There was no doubt in our minds: If there is an alternative on the market that has the same functionality but without this disadvantage, we will switch to it.”
Innovating for reliability and sustainability
The 8DAB 24 switchgear system, part of Siemens' blue GIS portfolio, sets a benchmark in eco-conscious power technology.
Unlike SF6, a potent greenhouse gas, the Clean Air insulation medium comprises natural air components, ensuring it is non-toxic, non-flammable and suitable across various operating temperatures.
This innovation underscores Siemens' leadership in anticipating and adapting to European Union regulations targeting SF6 reductions.
“If we want to achieve our net zero targets, we need to make power grids future-ready with innovative, eco-friendly technology,” says Matthias Rebellius, CEO of Siemens Smart Infrastructure.
“I am pleased that our long-standing customer EWD is using our pioneering switchgear technology that paves the way for climate-neutral and smart power distribution in Davos.”
Bridging the digital and physical worlds
The switchgear is equipped with smart sensors and interfaces connected to Siemens' Electrification X platform, part of the company's Xcelerator Internet of Things suite.
This digital ecosystem enables real-time monitoring, optimises energy efficiency and operational addresses challenges for public and private grid operators.
Meeting high expectations in a unique setting
Davos' reliance on renewable energy sources and its vast energy infrastructure — spanning three substations, 168 transformer stations and more than 450 kilometres of power lines — requires robust and reliable systems.
The blue GIS technology ensures minimal environmental impact while supporting the town's critical infrastructure, from homes and businesses to world-class facilities hosting global events like the WEF.
EWD's commitment to sustainability extends beyond power distribution. The utility provides renewable heat and hydropower to its customers and has been a key player in ensuring Davos' energy resilience for more than 130 years.
Andy's emphasis on environmental responsibility aligns with this heritage. “There was no doubt in our minds,” he says, referring to the switch over to an alternative technology.
The adoption of Siemens' blue GIS solution in Davos reflects a broader shift towards greener energy systems that prioritise long-term ecological impacts without compromising on performance or reliability.
As Matthias succinctly puts it: “It is essential to invest in the continued expansion of power grids.”
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