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August 18, 2021
420-kilovolt eco-efficient gas-insulated switchgear will be the world's first commercial
alternative to SF6 for the transmission network
Zurich, August 18, 2021-Hitachi ABB Power Grids is taking the next steps in its journey towards a sustainable energy future and entering the transmission voltage level with its EconiQ™ eco-efficient high-voltage portfolio. EconiQ is the company's eco-efficient portfolio for sustainability where products, services and solutions are proven to deliver exceptional environmental performance.
Four months since the global technology leader first launched EconiQ(1), the company continues to drive forward the pace of eco-efficient innovation. Its EconiQ high-voltage switchgear and breakers portfolio contains no sulfur hexaflouride (SF6), a greenhouse gas, and has been proven to significantly reduce the carbon footprint throughout the total lifecycle.
In conjunction with CIGRE 2021, Hitachi ABB Power Grids has announced the acceleration of its development of eco-efficient solutions. The EconiQ Roadmap outlines the extensive portfolio of switchgear and breakers in various voltage levels in the R&D pipeline. This includes live tank breakers, dead tank breakers, hybrid switchgear and gas-insulated switchgear.
A key milestone is the EconiQ gas-insulated switchgear at 420-kilovolt (kV) expected for release at the end of 2022, demonstrating the scalability and robustness of its technology. It will be the world's first commercial alternative to SF6 for gas-insulated switchgear that includes circuit-breaker for power transmission networks, therefore significantly lowering the environmental impact.
"The EconiQ High-voltage Roadmap is one key pillar of our Sustainability 2030(2) strategic plan that combines innovative solutions to contribute towards a carbon-neutral society," said Markus Heimbach, Managing Director, Hitachi ABB Power Grids. "The upcoming launch of the EconiQ GIS 420 kV will be the breakthrough in the industry for SF6-free solutions for higher voltage levels. This will enable our customers and the industry as a whole to reduce carbon footprint and rapidly transition to eco-efficient solutions".
As a technology leader, we have always been at the frontier of innovation. Following more than two decades of intensive R&D, Hitachi ABB Power Grids has been deploying high-voltage technology with SF6 alternatives, including the world's first SF6-free GIS(3).
Hitachi ABB Power Grids places sustainability at the heart of its purpose. Through EconiQ, the company is making a deeper contribution to a sustainable energy future aligned with the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the forefront of sustainable innovation, Hitachi ABB Power Grids is powering good for a sustainable energy future.
Hitachi ABB Power Grids is a global technology leader with a combined heritage of almost 250 years, employing around 36,000 people in 90 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, the business serves utility, industry and infrastructure customers across the value chain, and emerging areas like sustainable mobility, smart cities, energy storage and data centers. With a proven track record, global footprint and unparalleled installed base, Hitachi ABB Power Grids balances social, environmental and economic values. It is committed to powering good for a sustainable energy future, with pioneering and digital technologies, as the partner of choice for enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid. https://www.hitachiabb-powergrids.com