SF₆-Free Substations: Omexom Business Units Implement Sustainable Innovations for a Greener Grid
As the demand for clean energy grows, the electrical infrastructure industry is embracing innovative solutions to reduce emissions. SF₆, a widely used greenhouse gas in electrical switchgears at substations, is under scrutiny due to its exceptionally high global warming potential (GWP), more than 24,300 to 25,200 times (*IPCC AR6 data) that of CO₂.
To tackle this greenhouse gas emission, the European Union recently revised F-Gas Regulations and imposed a phased ban on SF₆ in new electrical switchgears up to 24-kV by 2026. This ban will then gradually extend to higher voltage levels.
A strong alternate, SF₆-free switchgear not only eliminates direct emissions. It also helps prevent long-term atmospheric buildup of this potent gas, contributing significantly to climate change mitigation efforts.
Ahead of these new regulations, Omexom business units within and outside of the EU are redesigning their technical solutions to support increasingly widespread net-zero emissions goals. They are proactively incorporating SF₆ gas alternatives through forward-looking projects.
Here are three projects that are contributing to this transition:
The World’s First 400kV G³ Substation
Scotland
In 2021, Omexom UK Major Projects was selected by SSEN Transmission to construct a pioneering 400-kV substation in Kintore, Scotland. This project is part of SSEN’s broader initiative to upgrade the regional grid from 275-kV to 400-kV, supporting increased renewable energy integration.
The new substation will utilize Green Gas for Grid (G³) switchgear, an SF₆-free alternative, marking it as the world’s first 400-kV G³ substation. The scope includes GIS (Gas-Insulated Switchgear) installation, primary equipment deployment, civil engineering, and the rerouting of overhead and underground circuits.
According to Simon Innis, CEO of Omexom UK Major Projects, this project will not only enable more renewable energy to be integrated into the UK grid. This innovative substation will also achieve a great reduction in emissions and could pave the way for new SF₆-free 400-kV substations across the country.
Construction began in mid-2021 and will continue through 2026.
A Sustainability Milestone for Omexom
Germany
Omexom Umspannwerk Hamburg and Schneider Electric recently delivered the first SF₆-free medium-voltage switchgear for one of the WEMAG Netz GmbH substations. This state-of-the-art installation eliminates SF₆ gas and uses eco-friendly technologies for insulation and arc extinguishing.
By removing SF₆ from the system, this project significantly reduces the climate impact of substation construction. It supports the broader decarbonization goals by proving that medium-voltage switchgear (1 to 52-kV) can be manufactured and operated in a climate-conscious way.
Straum Substation Goes SF₆-Free
Norway
The Omexom HV Power Systems business unit in Norway, together with OPPLAND ELEKTRO AS, is upgrading the Straum substation in Roan municipality on behalf of Tensio. The project is being developed with a strong focus on cutting emissions of greenhouse gases.
As part of the upgrade, Omexom is delivering a 145-kV SF₆-free GIS system, along with a complete protection and control system, auxiliary systems, and upgrades to the existing 132-kV outdoor AIS equipment.
Omexom in Norway has selected Siemens Energy to supply the environmentally friendly SF₆-free Blue GIS technology. Engineering for the project began in May 2024, with commissioning scheduled for 2026.
The transition to SF₆-free substations not only reduces environmental impact but also sets new industry standards for sustainability and innovation.
Learn how the SF₆ gas ban is reshaping the electricity sector in The Agility Effect.
* Read more about the IPCC AR6 data here.