Hitachi Energy will provide sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) free 420-kilovolt (kV) gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) technology and a modular prefabricated grid connection solution at a node at TenneT’s power grid in Germany.
This project covers a transmission grid connection upgrade to extend the operating life of existing power assets to ensure the longevity and continued efficiency of the existing power infrastructure. Hitachi will deliver EconiQ 420 kV GIS that uses technology that eliminates SF6 with reliable and scalable solutions for the lowest carbon footprint.
TenneT is a major transmission system operator in the Netherlands and Germany, supplying power to some 42 million homes and businesses in both countries. The company aims to be a driving force behind the energy transition by investing in eco-efficient technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. As a transmission system operator, TenneT is a key player on the historic path to a safe, reliable and carbon-free energy system.
To support TenneT on its transition to SF6-free solutions, Hitachi Energy will contribute technologies, system integration capabilities, engineering expertise and experience with local grid code requirements to strengthen the grid connection at the 220-megawatt (MW) Erzhausen pumped storage power plant near Hanover.
This project uses Building Information Modeling, a consolidated and collaborative digital working method that allows decision-based 3D modeling and improves facility management via a digital twin for the life cycle of the power asset. The entire project will be completed in 2026.
In this project, Hitachi Energy will install three bays of EconiQ 420 kV GIS to enable the transmission of large amounts of electricity over long distances while reducing volumes of SF6. This eco-efficient solution remains similar in size while being as reliable as the conventional GIS solution based on SF6. This installation will effectively avoid the addition of nearly 2,300 kg of SF6, equivalent to removing the CO2 emissions of around 11,501 passenger vehicles per year.
