Hitachi to supply world’s first 550 kV SF6-free GIS to Chubu Grid

16 Mar 2026 CW Team

Gas-insulated switchgear is widely used in substations because its key components are enclosed in sealed gas-insulated compartments. This configuration reduces the size of substations while protecting equipment from storms and other external disturbances. Traditionally, SF6 gas has been used for insulation and switching due to its high reliability and strong insulating properties.

However, SF6 is also one of the most potent greenhouse gases, with a global warming potential around 24,300 times greater than carbon dioxide and an atmospheric lifespan exceeding 1,000 years if released. As a result, several governments and power utilities around the world are introducing policies to phase out SF6-based equipment in order to reduce emissions from electricity networks.

Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ 550 kV GIS addresses this challenge by replacing SF6 with an eco-efficient insulating alternative. According to the company, the technology can reduce CO2-equivalent emissions from the insulating gas by up to 99 percent compared with conventional SF6-insulated equipment, while maintaining similar performance, safety, and compact design.

Chubu Electric Power Grid had earlier announced in 2024 its policy to adopt SF6-free equipment across multiple voltage classes as part of its decarbonisation strategy. The utility plans to introduce SF6-free GIS for voltages up to 77 kV and deploy SF6-free circuit breakers rated 275 kV and above.

The newly ordered 550 kV SF6-free GIS will be installed within Chubu’s backbone transmission network, supporting Japan’s growing electricity demand driven by electrification and the rapid expansion of data centres. Hitachi Energy launched its EconiQ high-voltage portfolio in 2021 to accelerate the industry’s shift toward SF6-free technologies and lower-carbon power grids.

Hitachi, Ltd. has secured an order from Chubu Electric Power Grid for the delivery of Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ 550 kilovolt (kV) sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)-free gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), marking the world’s first project where an entire 550 kV GIS installation will operate without SF6 gas. The project represents a significant milestone in the transition toward more sustainable power transmission infrastructure.Gas-insulated switchgear is widely used in substations because its key components are enclosed in sealed gas-insulated compartments. This configuration reduces the size of substations while protecting equipment from storms and other external disturbances. Traditionally, SF6 gas has been used for insulation and switching due to its high reliability and strong insulating properties.However, SF6 is also one of the most potent greenhouse gases, with a global warming potential around 24,300 times greater than carbon dioxide and an atmospheric lifespan exceeding 1,000 years if released. As a result, several governments and power utilities around the world are introducing policies to phase out SF6-based equipment in order to reduce emissions from electricity networks.Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ 550 kV GIS addresses this challenge by replacing SF6 with an eco-efficient insulating alternative. According to the company, the technology can reduce CO2-equivalent emissions from the insulating gas by up to 99 percent compared with conventional SF6-insulated equipment, while maintaining similar performance, safety, and compact design.Chubu Electric Power Grid had earlier announced in 2024 its policy to adopt SF6-free equipment across multiple voltage classes as part of its decarbonisation strategy. The utility plans to introduce SF6-free GIS for voltages up to 77 kV and deploy SF6-free circuit breakers rated 275 kV and above.The newly ordered 550 kV SF6-free GIS will be installed within Chubu’s backbone transmission network, supporting Japan’s growing electricity demand driven by electrification and the rapid expansion of data centres. Hitachi Energy launched its EconiQ high-voltage portfolio in 2021 to accelerate the industry’s shift toward SF6-free technologies and lower-carbon power grids.

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