F-gas-free 420 kV GIS based on clean air and vacuum switching technology

However, SF6 is the strongest greenhouse gas known with a global warming potential of 24,300 compared to CO2, and can persist in the atmosphere for over 1,000 years. Even with the lowest leakage rates below 0.1% per year in today’s state-of-the-art T&D equipment, SF6 still contributes to global warming if released into the atmosphere. The industry is phasing out SF6 at distribution and transmission level to support societies’ net-zero targets.

This paper discusses and gives the latest status of an EU co-funded “LIFE Blue Project 420 kV

GIS” initiative that aligns with the latest EU regulations. It focuses on working aspects related to the research, development, simulation, and testing of the world’s first emission-free 420 kV

GIS based on clean air (N2/O2) insulation and vacuum switching technology with GWP = 0.

A comprehensive comparison of key performance metrics, environmental impacts, and operational characteristics of this pioneering product, highlighting the significance for industry stakeholders in relation to the established SF6 technology, is presented and discussed.

Furthermore, the results from the development phase are presented and discussed, providing insights into the performance and reliability of this GIS under different operating conditions compared to SF6. In addition to the technical aspects, the article outlines the defined activities for the planned pilot project in Belgium, detailing the timelines, objectives, and expected outcomes.