SA Power Networks begins trial to decarbonise grid operations

Schneider Electric has announced an extension of its partnership with SA Power Networks to help cut emissions in its grid operations. The project uses pure air technology to prevent greenhouse gas emissions entering the atmosphere from the use of SF₆. For every kilo of SF₆ gas, the equivalent of 25 tonnes of CO₂ are emitted, which is now avoidable.

The partnership will see SA Power Networks, the principal electricity distributor to approximately 1.7 million customers in South Australia, join a trial of Schneider Electric’s new SF₆-free Pure Air Ring Main Unit (RMU). The first-of-its-kind deployment on its network is part of the SA Power Networks sustainability efforts to decarbonise its grid operations and remove harmful SF₆ greenhouse gases from its electricity infrastructure.

RMUs are switchgear used at the load connection points of a ring-type distribution network to feed a distribution transformer medium voltage to low voltage (MV to LV). SF₆ gas has been widely used in RMUs since the 1980s due to its superior electric insulation properties, although it is 23,500 times more potent than CO₂ and therefore poses an environmental risk.

By implementing Schneider Electric’s RM AirSeT technology, SA Power Networks is eliminating the potential environmental risk associated with SF₆ gas while maintaining operational safety and reliability standards.

“We are delighted to deepen our partnership with SA Power Networks, and this trial will play a significant role in enabling the company to decarbonise its grid operations,” said James Hunt, Vice President for Power Systems at Schneider Electric. “By unifying our expertise in energy management solutions with SA Power Networks' commitment to sustainable solutions, we are proud to deliver this industry-first initiative to build a greener grid infrastructure.”

As sustainability regulations tighten worldwide, this trial puts SA Power Networks ahead of the curve in Australia, positioning it as a leader in sustainable energy management. The installation of Schneider’s SF₆-free Pure Air Ring Main Units accentuates SA Power Networks’ commitment to greener, cleaner grid operations.

"This move to further transform our grid operations marks a significant next step forward in our efforts to provide a more sustainable network for our customers through establishing cleaner switching stations across the state,” said Aren Sears, Network Control Manager, SA Power Networks.

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