Schneider Electric to Deploy SF₆-Free Switchgear in California, USA

en.Wedoany.com Reported - Schneider Electric, in collaboration with Southern California Edison, is deploying SF₆-free gas-insulated switchgear at substations. This technology uses pure air and vacuum to replace sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆, a greenhouse gas commonly used in electrical equipment), and is expected to double capacity within the existing substation footprint.

These deployments will help Southern California Edison (SCE) connect new customers more quickly within its service area while maintaining reliable and affordable service. Schneider Electric's SF₆-free medium-voltage switchgear is integrated into compact, pre-assembled, and enclosed substation systems, enabling faster installation.

The first two projects are located at the Great Lakes substation in the Antelope Valley region north of Los Angeles County and the Running Springs substation in the San Bernardino Mountains east of Los Angeles, both existing facilities on the SCE grid. This work is expected to support SCE's broader plan to replicate similar substation modernization approaches over time. Installation is scheduled to begin in 2027.

This project reflects a broader shift toward standardized, modular substation designs that can be deployed more efficiently to meet growing electricity demand. SCE uses Schneider Electric's GMAirSeT switchgear, which replaces SF₆ gas with clean air and vacuum technology, helping to reduce emissions while maintaining reliable power service. Its compact, modular design allows SCE to modernize substations without full rebuilds and complete upgrades faster, enabling quicker deployment of new capacity, better utilization of existing space, minimizing disruption to surrounding communities, and simplifying ongoing maintenance.

SF₆-free medium-voltage technology has been widely adopted in parts of Europe and Asia, but its application in U.S. utility substations remains limited. Such projects demonstrate how utilities can deploy mature alternatives to traditional equipment while maintaining performance and reliability. In California, where utilities are working to expand capacity, integrate new loads, and meet evolving environmental requirements, such solutions help accelerate infrastructure upgrades while reducing emissions associated with traditional technologies.

Beyond California, New York has enacted SF₆ phase-out regulations. The New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) anticipates significant load growth, with electricity demand expected to increase by approximately 1,600 to over 4,000 megawatts by 2030.