Press Releases

The EU supports GE Vernova’s project by co-funding the development of a retrofitting solution to remove SF₆ from older 420 kV gas-insulated substations

October 24, 2024
LIFE22-PR-image

The European Commission’s LIFE program, the European Union’s funding instrument for the environment and climate action, has awarded GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business €2.5 million to fund the development of a solution to remove up to 60% of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) gas in its older T155 GIS.
The EU’s LIFE program recognizes the potential of GE Vernova’s Grid Solutions business’ g3 insulating and switching gas as an alternative to SF6 to help reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
This fourth co-funded project within five years reflects the EU Commission’s commitment to accelerate the decarbonization of Europe’s electrical grids and allows utilities to go beyond the EU’s fluorinated (F)-gas regulation, which aims to cut F-gas emissions by two-thirds by 2030.
Grid Solutions’ T155 has been installed in more than 30 countries, totaling more than 1,000 GIS bays, and accounting for approximately 650 tons of SF6 in total.
The SECO2ND LIFE GIS project will have three main objectives:

  • Tailor the gas mixture to limit the need for component replacement
  • Redesign and recycle the compartments that need adaptation
  • Adapt the monitoring devices to the SF6 substitute

The project will include a first demonstration installation at a TSO substation, allowing us to implement the new technology on the selected in-service substation, targeting a reduction of the embedded SF6 gas. The new SF6 retro-filling solution will be part of GRiDEA, our innovative portfolio of decarbonization solutions for high-voltage grids.
For more information on our high-voltage SF6-free substation equipment and product roadmap, visit our SF6-free HV switchgear webpage here.