Enel Installs Greenhouse-Free Ring Main Units by ABB in Italy, Spain

Enel Global Infrastructure & Networks will reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide reliable and sustainable power across its networks in Italy and Spain thanks to the installation of ABB’s innovative SF₆-free ring main units (RMUs), specifically designed for Enel’s requirements.

ABB’s low pressure 24kV solution has the same footprint, safety and reliability as traditional SF₆ solutions. The pilot installation involves 20 new ABB SafePlus AirPlus medium voltage (MV) RMUs in Enel’s secondary substations across Italy and Spain and will contribute to minimize their global warming potential, while making switchgear operation and maintenance safer for personnel.

Gas insulated switchgear, widely used in MV secondary substations, conventionally contain SF₆ – which has dielectric and arc extinguishing properties, but at the same time is the world’s most potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential 25,200 times that of CO₂.

The new SafePlus AirPlus, part of ABB’s ecoGIS family of products, features innovative load break switches (LBS) optimized for SF₆-alternative gases. Unlike traditional alternatives, the switch is based on puffer interrupter technology and functions as both a load break and disconnector switch for maximum safety. ABB’s SafePlus AirPlus low-pressure design with its 0.4 bar relative pressure, reduces the risk of leaks and accidents due to electrical arcs and makes it safe to operate, even in the case of abnormal gas leakages where high pressure alternatives would need be switched off immediately. Therefore, in the event of a leakage, ABB’s low-pressure design based on AirPlus as an eco-friendly SF₆ alternative, ensures reliability of the network.