SF6 Free Switchgears: Schneider Electric & E.ON Partnership
SF6 is a greenhouse gas that has the global warming potential of 24,300kg and persisting for around 1000 years, according to Schneider Electric.
The EU is aiming to ban the use of SF6 gases from 2026, following the F-gas regulation, meaning that moving away from SF6 distribution is becoming increasingly critical for energy companies.
Schneider Electric has announced a long term framework agreement with E.ON, utilising its AirSeT technology.
The partnership is a step forward for the deployment of sustainable and digital-ready energy infrastructures across Europe.
Schneider Electric plans to support E.ON’s goals on the SF6-free medium voltage (MV) switchgear and a suite of digital technologies.
What is the SF6-free medium voltage (MV) switchgear?
SF6 is a popular gas that is used for its insulating and current breaking properties, thermal capacity and stability.
The AirSeT technology reconciles growth implications and accelerates renewable generation and electrification.
The technology combines pure air insulation, vacuum technology and digital capabilities, offering improvements for the operator, as well as health and safety of the public.
The switchgear utilises a medium voltage range, designed to distribute energy to buildings.
Schneider Electric says that the AirSeT equipment with Active connectivity helps improve safety, security, efficiency, modern asset management and network optimisation.
Melton Chang, Executive Vice President of Power Systems at Schneider Electric says: “This agreement with E.ON is a powerful example of accelerating the shift to more sustainable, digital energy infrastructure.
“By working with E.ON to deploy SF6-free technologies, we’re not only helping satisfy new regulatory requirements, we’re shaping the future of electricity in Europe.”
More about the partnership
The collaboration is founded on a shared objective, building energy grids that are sustainable, intelligent and efficient.
Schneider Electric has agreed to annually supply GM-AirSeT primary and secondary switch gear panels, following a pilot scheme in Westnetz.
The company has made large investments into expanding its industrial capacity in Europe to meet growing demand for SF-free technologies, with industrial centres in Germany and Hungary essential in delivering on this long-term contract.
E.ON is advancing its sustainability goals by laying groundwork for the deployment of the next-generation switchgear to be developed and manufactured in Europe.
Lisbeth Buschkühl, Chief Procurement Officer of E.ON SE says: "In order to actively shape the green transformation in Germany, we are investing massively in a future-proof energy infrastructure.
“This long-term contract secures access to SF6-free technologies, supports standardisation and enables a cost-efficient implementation of the energy transition."
What is E.ON doing to be sustainable?
E.ON says it has a core belief that to fight climate change it relies on individuals in society, so it enables customers to make more sustainable choices.
The company aims to become more carbon-neutral by 2040 and hoping to reduce Scope 3 emissions by at least 90% by 2050.
It says that its objective is for the business activities to cause no environmental damage and have as little impact as possible.
E.ON works with the United Nations Environment Programme and supporting the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration to help protect ecosystems and fight climate change.
The company also joined the LEAF coalition, which raises funding to protect tropical forests, this helps countries with rainforests take decisive action against the loss of biodiversity.
Leonhard Birnbaum, CEO E.ON SE says: “Sustainability is at the heart of our strategy and will be the benchmark for our actions in the future.
“As playmaker of the green transformation in Europe, the decarbonisation of the energy sector is a key focus to us.”
