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Press Release27 April 2021Siemens EnergyMunich
For a greener Finland: Siemens Energy seals largest order for SF6-free gas-insulated switchgear in Europe
SF6 is a fluorinated gas (F-gas) with a potential for global warming around 23,500 times greater
than carbon dioxide and a life span of 3,200 years in the earth's atmosphere. However, due to its
unique physical properties, it is in most of the world's substations still the insulating gas of choice.
Fingrid decided to modernize the 110-kilovolts(kV)-switchgear in Virkkala substation in Lohja,
located 60 kilometers west of Helsinki, so that it operates without any climate-harming gases. The
GIS of type 8VN1 from Siemens Energy’s SF6-free Blue portfolio will ensure safe, climate-neutral,
and reliable power transmission operation by using vacuum interrupters for switching and clean air
as insulation medium, leading to an improved switching performance, simplified operation and
maintenance while meeting highest health and safety standards. Commissioning is scheduled for
summer 2022.
“Fingrid seeks to be a frontrunner when it comes to the replacement of SF6 in transmission
operations. Modernising the existing SF6-insulated 110 kV switchgear in Virkkala with a new one
operating without SF6 gas is the first step on our strategic roadmap toward phasing out SF6 as
insulating gas. Total reduction of SF6 gas at Virkkala substation will be 2.500 kg equal to 57.000
tons of CO2. With Siemens Energy we have found a reliable partner that offers innovative products with absolutely zero climate-harming fluorinated gases,” said Timo Kiiveri, Senior Vice President at
Fingrid.
“We at Siemens Energy are proud that Fingrid has chosen our technology for their first SF6-free GIS.
With its zero global warming potential our Blue portfolio is the most environmentally friendly
switching technology available and will reliably support Fingrid in systematically phasing out SF6 as
an insulating gas,” said Beatrix Natter, Executive Vice President Transmission at Siemens Energy.
Due to its high climate-harming potential and its long atmospheric lifetime, SF6 is banned for most
applications with exception of the electricity sector. However, as part of the European Green Deal,
the European Commission is currently reviewing the regulation of fluorinated gases. Over the last
decade Siemens Energy has invested in the development of chemical-free alternatives to SF6 and as
a result introduced the future-proof Blue portfolio which operates completely free of any F-gases
and thereby goes beyond the common safety and environmental standards. It not only emphasizes
the green aspect of the transmission of technology, but also provides many other benefits for gasinsulated switchgear, circuit breakers and instrument transformers. Over the next years, Siemens
Energy will implement their clean air technology at higher voltages as well.
Siemens Energy 8VN1 Blue GIS
Fingrid decided to modernize the 110-kilovolts(kV)-switchgear in Virkkala substation in Lohja,
located 60 kilometers west of Helsinki, so that it operates without any climate-harming gases using
the GIS of type 8VN1 from Siemens Energy’s SF6 -free Blue portfolio.
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Siemens Energy is one of the world’s leading energy technology companies. The company works with its customers
and partners on energy systems for the future, thus supporting the transition to a more sustainable world. With its
portfolio of products, solutions and services, Siemens Energy covers almost the entire energy value chain – from power
generation and transmission to storage. The portfolio includes conventional and renewable energy technology,
such as gas and steam turbines, hybrid power plants operated with hydrogen, and power generators and transformers.
More than 50 percent of the portfolio has already been decarbonized. A majority stake in the listed company Siemens
Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) makes Siemens Energy a global market leader for renewable energies. An estimated
one-sixth of the electricity generated worldwide is based on technologies from Siemens Energy. Siemens Energy employs
more than 90,000 people worldwide in more than 90 countries and generated revenue of around €27.5 billion
in fiscal year 2020.
www.siemens-energy.com.