The need to transition to more environmentally friendly solutions is becoming increasingly pressing for our planet. At first glance, it may seem that switchgear poses little risk to the environment. However, they often use SF6 gas, which, according to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, is the most potent greenhouse gas. But this is not necessarily the case.
Eaton has been a pioneer in the development of alternative vacuum and air-insulated switchgear technologies for over 60 years and continues to lead the way.
Eaton first began producing SF6-free medium-voltage switchgear in the 1960s, when Magnefix products offered a compact solution for distribution system operators. To meet market demand, production lines were established in the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, and Australia.
In 2002, Eaton introduced the Xiria Ring Main Unit—a completely modern switchgear unit with a metal enclosure, intelligent dielectric design, and vacuum switching technology instead of SF6. This not only made Xiria more environmentally friendly, but also minimized maintenance, improved operational safety, significantly increased the number of safe switching operations, and eliminated costly end-of-life disposal procedures.
In response to global concerns about climate change and the increased need for urgent action on corporate operations, Eaton joined the Green Switching initiative several years ago to phase out the use of SF6 gas in medium-voltage switchgear.
Eaton's environmentally friendly switchgear can now be found in more than 3,000 reference installations worldwide.
Power Technology Solutions is confident that, together with environmentally responsible partners like Eaton, it will be able to implement even more solutions aimed at the sustainable development of enterprises in Kazakhstan.
The article was prepared based on materials from Eaton.