Press Release | Zurich, Switzerland | 06.05.2021 | 2 min read
The first eco-efficient EconiQTM high-voltage breakers in Spain will reduce carbon footprint and enable clean energy
Hitachi ABB Power Grids will install Spain's first eco-efficient EconiQ high-voltage breakers as part of a substation refurbishment in the southern region of Murcia. The EconiQ Live Tank Breaker (LTA) for 72.5 kilovolt (kV) and 145 kV will help accelerate efforts to make the grid carbon-neutral while enabling the reliable operation of the Alhama de Murcia substation. The new installations will provide clean energy to support the sustainable agricultural development of the region.
Iberdrola is a global energy leader and one of the largest power utilities committed to ambitious climate targets. Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ EconiQ technology will support Iberdrola's efforts in fighting climate change and providing Spain with clean and reliable power. The Alhama de Murcia substation is Spain’s first installation of eco-efficient high voltage outdoor live tank breakers that will help Iberdrola reduce carbon emissions and make progress in the journey towards carbon-neutrality.
"Our aim is to be carbon-neutral by 2050," said Ignacio S. Galan, Chairman and CEO of Iberdrola. “We understand clearly that climate change is a real problem, which is why we are approving a strategy to reduce our CO2 emissions.”
"We are proud to be working with Iberdrola to support its efforts towards carbon-neutrality," said Markus Heimbach, Managing Director of the High Voltage Products business at Hitachi ABB Power Grids. "With a large number of EconiQ LTA installations worldwide, we are proud to be creating a sustainable energy future together with our customers.”
Hitachi ABB Power Grids has been deploying eco-efficient alternatives for high-voltage technology since 2010. The innovative EconiQ LTA uses carbon dioxide (CO2) as insulation gas mixture instead of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and will reduce CO2 equivalent emissions throughout the total lifecycle. SF6 is has been the norm in the elecrical industry for decades, however it is a greenhouse gas. As an alternative, the new EconiQ solution is based on well-proven gas-circuit-breaker design, with minimal footprint and exceptional reliability.
EconiQ is Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ eco-efficient portfolio for sustainability where products, services and solutions are proven to deliver exceptional environmental performance. At the forefront of sustainable innovation, Hitachi ABB Power Grids is powering good for a sustainable energy future.
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader that is advancing a sustainable energy future for all. We serve customers in the utility, industry and infrastructure sectors with innovative solutions and services across the value chain. Together with customers and partners, we pioneer technologies and enable the digital transformation required to accelerate the energy transition towards a carbon-neutral future. We are advancing the world’s energy system to become more sustainable, flexible and secure whilst balancing social, environmental and economic value. Hitachi Energy has a proven track record and unparalleled installed base in more than 140 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ around 38,000 people in 90 countries and generate business volumes of approximately $10 billion USD.
