SP Energy Networks and Siemens are trialling new environmentally-friendly ‘clean-air’ technology at one of the former’s electricity substations.
The project will pilot new switchgear technology developed by Siemens that, if successful and rolled out more widely, has the potential to reduce the volume of a greenhouse gas currently used in substations.
The first UK installation of an 8DJH 12 switchgear ring main unit means that the substation will be able to operate free of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), which is commonly used as an insulator for electrical equipment in substations across the UK.
The trial will take place at an SP Energy Networks substation in MacLean Square in Glasgow.
Equipment will be delivered and installed at the substation by the end of this summer.
SP Energy Networks currently owns and operates 30,000 substations across its licence areas in Scotland, North West England and Wales.
SP Energy Networks director of processes and technology Colin Taylor said: “We’re always looking for innovations that reduce our environmental impacts and make our network more environmentally sustainable.
“The pilot for our new ‘clean-air’ technology is an exciting development in our work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and support the decarbonisation of our industry.
“Traditionally, SF6 is used as an insulator in switchgear but this new trial will use a climate-neutral insulation comprised of components from ambient air which will help us to reduce our CO2 footprint, make it safer to handle the switchgear and easier to recycle at the end of its service life.
“It’s a major step forward for us as we try new ways to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions and learnings from this trial will help us develop our grid system going forward as we continue to lead the way towards a greener, cleaner, more sustainable future.”
Siemens Distribution Systems Businesses head for GB and Ireland Jon Turner said: “We’re proud to work with SP Energy Networks to specify, manufacture and install the latest in ‘Clean Air’ switchgear technology from our Siemens Blue GIS range at their site in Glasgow.
“The climate-neutral insulation medium used, which is comprised exclusively of natural components from ambient air, is a game changer, removing the need for fluorinated gases and reducing SP Energy Network’s carbon risk.”