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Press Release08 June 2021Press release by Siemens Energy and Mitsubishi
ElectricMunich/Tokyo
Siemens Energy and Mitsubishi Electric sign MoU to move faster to develop gas solutions with zero global-warming potential in the high-voltage power transmission industry
In most of the world's
substations, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) – the most potent greenhouse
gas in the world, with a potential for global warming roughly 23,500 times
greater than CO2, – is still the insulating gas of choice. Even with
a very low number of leakages, the impact on global warming is significant. In
light of the drive toward global decarbonization, the demand for alternatives
is growing as operators seek future-proof technologies that significantly
reduce the carbon footprint of their systems. At the same time, regulations to
reduce or prohibit the use of fluorinated gases in the electrical industry are
being reviewed and implemented in various parts of the world.
Siemens Energy and
Mitsubishi Electric are pioneers in the development of high-voltage switching
solutions. Both companies have been working on the development of SF6-free
gas-insulated switching solutions that
replace the greenhouse gas with clean air, a pure mixture of nitrogen and
oxygen, in order to contribute to global carbon-neutrality goals. To date,
clean-air insulation is the only alternative to greenhouse gases and therefore
poses zero health and safety risks. In conjunction with vacuum interrupters, a
higher performance for switching applications is ensured, even compared with
all known SF6 circuit breakers.
Siemens Energy’s Blue Portfolio
offers future-proof and environmentally friendly solutions for high-voltage
power transmission. It comprises F-gas-free gas-insulated switchgear, circuit
breakers, and instrument transformers. The combination of vacuum-switching
technology and clean-air insulation enables a significant reduction of
emissions without any impact on the lifetime of the products. While circuit
breakers that use clean-air and vacuum-switching technology have been available
for at least 15 years for voltage levels up to 72.5 kV, the outstanding
technical performance and low lifecycle costs also make it a perfect choice for
other substation products, including gas-insulated switchgear up to 145 kV,
with absolutely zero CO2 equivalent emissions over the lifetime of
the equipment. Siemens Energy’s Blue products lie outside the scope of any
conceivable F-gas regulation.
Mitsubishi Electric provides a
variety of high- and medium-voltage products to ensure the safe and reliable
operation of modern power networks. With its state-of-the-art, best in the
industry vacuum-interruption and dry-air insulation technology, Mitsubishi
Electric is contributing to society by providing (SF6-free) and zero
CO2 equivalent emission, energy-efficient,
and low lifecycle-cost solutions. Mitsubishi Electric has manufactured
high-quality vacuum tubes and products since 1965 and started providing its
72.5-kV vacuum interrupter in 2002. The company is extending its vast
experience with vacuum and dry-air technology to create a new lineup of
higher-voltage circuit breaker and switchgear products.
*United Nations day for
encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment.
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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.
Mitsubishi Electric. With 100 years of experience in providing reliable, high-quality products, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) is a recognized world leader in the manufacture, marketing and sales of electrical and electronic equipment used in information processing and communications, space development and satellite communications, consumer electronics, industrial technology, energy, transportation and building equipment. Mitsubishi Electric enriches society with technology in the spirit of its “Changes for the Better.” The company recorded a revenue of 4,191.4 billion yen (U.S.$ 37.8 billion*) in the fiscal year ended March 31, 2021. For more information, please visit www.MitsubishiElectric.com
*U.S. dollar amounts are translated from yen at the rate of \111=U.S.$1, the approximate rate on the Tokyo Foreign Exchange Market on March 31, 2021