Hitachi Energy and SP Energy Networks (SPEN) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which formalises both companies’ commitment to Scotland’s energy transition by deploying sustainable critical energy infrastructure.
The agreement will see Hitachi Energy provide switchgear from its EconiQ portfolio.
SPEN said that the EconiQ equipment does not use sulfur hexafluoride – the world’s most potent greenhouse gas, which is widely used in critical power grid infrastructure and is 24,300 times more climate-hostile than CO2.
This ensures Hitachi Energy’s SF6-free technology will support SPEN in its critical role to help Scotland achieve net zero by 2045.
The first installations of the EconiQ 420 kV GIS will take place in two new planned substations on SPEN’s network, critical to the UK’s energy transition.
These will effectively remove the equivalent of the CO2 emissions produced from around 27,600 passenger vehicles from the road in a year, SPEN said.
The agreement builds on a long-term collaboration between the two companies to facilitate the connection of renewable energy for use by electricity consumers across the country.
The arrangement will enable SPEN to deliver projects central to the UK energy transition and to meet regulatory commitments made with UK energy regulator Ofgem.
Andre Gargi, global head of marketing & sales for the business unit high voltage products at Hitachi Energy, said: “This agreement will help power Scotland’s future and contribute to its net-zero ambitions, and we could not be happier to be the ones enabling it to meet its targets with our SF6-freeEconiQ switchgear.
“We are at a critical point in the energy transition journey and decarbonising the transmission network is a priority: this means modernising the country’s energy infrastructure to stimulate economic growth, reducing carbon emissions, and contributing to a cleaner, more resilient energy system for future generations.”
Pearse Murray (pictured), transmission director for SPEN, added: “Decarbonising the grid as we build the transmission network needed for the energy system of the future is a vital step on the journey to net zero and it’s great to have Hitachi on board as a trusted partner.
“This agreement marks a milestone moment for SP Energy Networks as we continue to invest to upgrade our network while reducing our greenhouse gas emissions. I have no doubt this partnership will help us deliver a cleaner, greener and better future, quicker.”