The asset manager’s guide to SF₆-free solutions

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The asset manager’s guide to SF₆-free solutions

Imagine the grid as a fleet of ships crossing the vast, unpredictable seas. As an asset manager, you’re the captain guiding this fleet – navigating through changing weather, watching for potential storms on the horizon, and ensuring that every vessel (or piece of valuable equipment) is fit for the journey ahead.

With sustainability now a top priority, asset managers are asked to steer the fleet toward cleaner and safer waters. That’s where sustainable and eco-efficient high-voltage solutions come in. Moving away from traditional sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) gas – the industry’s decade-long insulation of choice with harmful environmental impact – is a chance to chart a course for a more sustainable energy future.

This guide will serve as your roadmap, designed to make the journey to SF₆-free as smooth as possible, and maybe even enjoyable. If you’re interested to get more insights, practical tips and steps, listen to the latest Power Pulse episode "Know when to reduce, reuse, and retrofit."

What exactly does an asset manager do anyway?

Asset managers, particularly those involved in the energy industry, oversee crucial infrastructure, such as transformers, substations, and transmission lines. They ensure that these key grid components have optimal performance, reliability, and compliance.

Their work is a blend of strategy, finance, and engineering. Asset managers must balance short-term operational needs with long-term performance goals, manage budgets, reduce downtime, and maximize asset lifespan. They’re also increasingly responsible for aligning their decisions with environmental and regulatory standards, making sustainable choices (like switching to SF₆-free high-voltage equipment) that reduce emissions and impact.

So, if you’re keen to make a tangible impact in the energy sector and drive meaningful change for a better future, being an asset manager might just be the right role for you.

Why SF₆-free? Understanding the benefits

SF₆ has long been celebrated for its excellent insulating properties in high-voltage equipment, but it also carries a heavy environmental cost.

With a global warming potential (GWP) 24,300 times greater than CO₂, the urgency to find alternatives has never been more important. As global regulations tighten even more, the shift to SF₆-free high-voltage technology presents both a challenge and an opportunity for asset managers.

Here are some top reasons why asset managers around the world are making the switch to SF₆-free alternatives:

• It’s our environmental responsibility
  There is no planet B. We only have one Earth and the last time we checked, Mars is not even remotely ready for humanity. Choosing SF₆-free alternatives aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

• Regulatory compliance is non-negotiable
  With stringent regulations around SF₆ usage and leakage, transitioning to eco-efficient alternatives helps asset managers stay ahead of the curve, avoiding potential penalties and operational disruptions.

• Become a sustainable innovation leader
  By transitioning to eco-efficient solutions, companies signal to stakeholders, customers, and the public their commitment to sustainability and innovation. It’s more than being compliant, it’s about redefining the grid and pioneering a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape.

Integrating SF₆-free technology in high-voltage systems

Practical steps for implementation

Driving this transformative change is no small feat, but asset managers are stepping up as vital leaders in this important shift toward a more sustainable energy grid.

Navigating complex energy and regulatory landscapes, assessing emerging technologies, and managing financial implications are just a few of the challenges they face. However, their expertise and strategic vision enable them to guide organizations through these hurdles.

Lead the SF₆-free transition through this step-by-step guide:
 

1. Conduct comprehensive research
   First off, asset managers must research the nitty gritty of available SF₆-free alternative technologies. This includes evaluating a range of solutions to determine which options can deliver comparable performance to traditional SF₆ systems.
2. Assess the current infrastructure 
   The existing high-voltage equipment and infrastructure must be thoroughly assessed in order to identify critical areas where SF₆ can be removed or replaced. This step helps prioritize equipment for transition based on factors such as age, condition, and operational performance.
3. Develop a strategic transition and implementation plan
   The plan should outline timelines, phases for implementation, and identify potential challenges and risks associated with the transition.
4. Manage budget and secure funding
   Understanding the financial implications is crucial. Asset managers must analyze the costs associated with new technology, maintenance, and possible regulatory fines before presenting this information to all relevant stakeholders. This is a vital step to building support and enthusiasm for the transition.
5. Implement training programs
   To facilitate the successful operation of new SF₆-free high-voltage technologies, asset managers must design and organize training programs for service staff. This ensures that employees are well equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to monitor, evaluate, maintain, and operate SF₆-free equipment effectively.

The journey doesn’t end with the successful implementation of new technologies. Asset managers must continually seek ways to enhance operations, exploring further innovations and industry best practices that enable a seamless transition.

What can asset managers do with existing SF₆?

New legislations across the globe are increasingly restricting the use of new SF₆, pushing for alternative gases, or shifting to recycling SF₆.

Recycling SF₆ in installed high-voltage equipment can be a responsible way for asset managers to manage existing inventories while reducing environmental impact. Used SF₆ is typically contaminated with byproducts and must be purified to remove moisture, particulates, and toxic residues.

There are two ways to recycle and bring used SF₆ back to industry-grade standards:

Does Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ™ portfolio really deliver on its promises?

There is no doubt about it – Yes, it does! 

Today, there is a spectrum of SF₆-free high-voltage technologies available, some are not as promising while others - like the EconiQ high-voltage portfolio -  show more potential. It is a game-changing alternative that achieves the same technical performance as conventional solutions without the environmental downsides.

Hitachi Energy introduced EconiQ technology back in 2010 and through the years, the EconiQ product range has grown with many world-first achievements under its belt. The most recent milestone was the launch of the groundbreaking SF₆-free highest-voltage circuit breaker for gas-insulated switchgear and dead tank circuit breakers. EconiQ is designed with sustainability in mind, offering reliable and scalable solutions with the lowest carbon footprint. 

Among the most promising innovations in the portfolio is the EconiQ Retrofill, a unique solution that removes SF₆ from installed high-voltage gas-insulated lines and replaces it with an eco-efficient gas mixture, enabling customers to transition away from SF₆ seamlessly. By retrofilling SF₆-insuated switchgear, asset managers can quickly and effectively reduce emissions without the need for extensive infrastructure changes.

In a recent Power Pulse episode, Amaya Lago, Territory Marketing Manager for the High Voltage Products business unit, breaks down what makes EconiQ the best choice in the market.

Conclusion: The future of high-voltage asset management

The shift towards SF₆-free alternatives is not merely a regulatory response; it represents a strategic and even inspiring opportunity for asset managers to redefine operational excellence. 

As the energy sector evolves, the role of asset managers will continue to grow in relevance, like captains charting a new course for their fleet, balancing the demands of operational efficiency with a deep commitment to sustainability. By embracing innovative SF₆-free technologies and sustainable practices, such as Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ portfolio, asset managers can significantly reduce the environmental impact of their operations while ensuring the reliability of energy delivery systems.