‘Clean air’ switchgear paves the way for a greener future
Summary
UK Power Networks is currently installing its first ‘clean air’ Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) operating at 132,000-volts, which is free of SF6 and composed of dehumidified oxygen, and nitrogen, and has zero global warming potential. UK Power Networks has worked with Siemens Energy Limited, one of the suppliers behind the new technology, to manufacture the company’s first environmentally-friendly ‘clean air’ GIS at 132,000-volts. Barry Hatton, Director of Asset Management at UK Power Networks, said: “Switchgear plays a vital role in the safe and secure distribution of electricity to homes and businesses. Mark Simblett, Managing Director Transmission Products at Siemens Energy, said: “We are delighted to have been commissioned to deliver this exciting new project for UK Power Networks and to have the opportunity to utilise our SF6-free 145kV switchgear technology. “From the outset we have worked closely with UK Power Networks to offer detailed information about the new technology, highlighting the main advantages and long-term benefits it will bring to their business and of course the environment.