Innovative Partnership Accelerates Grid Decarbonisation with SF6-Free Technology

Ausgrid has partnered with Schneider Electric in a groundbreaking move to decarbonize its distribution network by introducing SF6-free switchgear. This collaboration is a major step forward in Ausgrid’s sustainability strategy, which focuses on reducing environmental impact while maintaining grid reliability.

For decades, ring main units (RMUs) used SF6 gas for insulation due to its excellent dielectric properties. However, SF6 is a potent greenhouse gas, 23,500 times more damaging than CO2 when leaked. Schneider Electric’s solution, Pure Air SF6-free switchgear, offers a sustainable alternative that eliminates this risk without sacrificing performance.

Schneider Electric’s Vice President for Power Systems, James Hunt, highlights the importance of the innovation: "Our Pure Air technology replaces SF6, delivering the same high-performance results with significantly less environmental impact. This new solution prevents 35,000 kg of CO2-equivalent emissions from entering Ausgrid’s network."

The SF6-free kiosk pad substation designed by Schneider Electric includes internal arc containment to ensure any high-voltage faults are safely managed, protecting operators and the public. This new design requires no modifications to Ausgrid’s existing infrastructure, making it an easy fit for the current system.

Beyond sustainability, the new switchgear comes equipped with Schneider Electric’s T300 automation technology. This allows Ausgrid’s control room to manage remote switching commands, seamlessly integrating with their Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) for greater grid reliability and smarter operations.

Brett Hawkeswood, Ausgrid’s Head of Design & Engineering Services, praised the partnership: “Working with Schneider Electric on this project not only reduces our dependency on SF6 but also enhances key safety features in our network. It’s a win for both the environment and operational safety.”

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