Emission-free 245 kV and 420 kV life-tank vacuum circuit-breaker

This paper discusses and gives the latest status of the EU co-funded “MISSION” and the EU co-funded “LIFE Blue 245 kV Live-Tank” project that align with the latest EU regulations. It focuses on aspects related to the research, development, simulation, and testing of the world's first greenhouse-gas-free 245 kV and 420 kV live-tank circuit breakers utilizing vacuum switching and clean air (N2/O2) insulation technology with GWP = 0.

A comprehensive comparison of key performance metrics, environmental impacts, and operational characteristics of both pioneering products, highlighting their significance for industry stakeholders in relation to the established SF6 technology, will be presented and discussed. Furthermore, the results from various simulation and development tests will be discussed, providing insights into the performance and reliability of both circuit breakers, including the vacuum interrupters, under different operating conditions compared to SF6. In addition to the technical aspects, this paper will outline the scheduled activities for the foreseen pilot projects in France, Norway, and Spain, detailing the timelines, objectives, and expected outcomes.