The path to zero: F-gas-free power transmission

Fighting global warming remains one of the biggest challenges we face as society. For this reason, more and more countries are striving for decarbonization. Finland is one of the leading countries in this shift; here, 40 per cent of energy end-consumption is already being provided by renewable energy sources. Environmentally friendly transmission technologies can contribute greatly in driving the carbon footprint ever closer towards zero. After the installation of ten bays of zero-F-gas switchgear, the total reduction of SF 6 at Virkkala substation in Lohja (60 kilometers west of Helsinki) will be 2,5 tons – equivalent to 57,000 tons of CO 2. 

Learn more in the press release: 

Aside from the ecological aspects, grid operators must also consider economic and safety issues. The current review of F-gas regulations by the European Union is expected to lead to new legislation or even the banning of this insulation gas in the near future. The use of fluorinated gases already demands time-consuming and costly accounting and reporting. Moreover, the handling of the gas requires special safety measures. Reducing usage to zero by using clean air instead makes operations and maintenance easier, safer, more cost-efficient and future-proof.

That ecological and economic considerations can go hand in hand is demonstrated by Norwegian Energy provider BKK Nett, who achieved their own ambitious goals by upgrading their Bergen substation with zero-F-gas high-voltage switchgear in order to provide renewable energy to cruise ships.    

Learn more in our Energy Story:

Besides sustainability and decarbonization, digitalization is one of the most pressing topics in energy transmission. To meet the new challenges posed by the increasing proportion of volatile renewable energy sources and greater grid complexity, the use of data provided by digital assets in the substation will be of increasing importance. 

In Burladingen in Germany, Siemens Energy is combining the eco-friendly Blue portfolio with future-proof digital solutions to create a complete, sustainable and digitally-enabled substation of the future. 

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For the special demands of the often hostile conditions of offshore applications, Siemens Energy has developed the Blue gas-insulated 8VM1 switchgear. With a capacity of up to 72.5 kV, it enables higher voltages within increasingly powerful wind turbines and can be installed inside a wind tower or a transition piece. This makes it possible to bring the concept of integrated clean energy solutions to wind parks like the Shantou Haojiang Industrial Park.