Statnett, Norway’s national grid operator, has partnered with Hitachi Energy to deliver the country’s first SF6-free transmission grid connection. The project, based in the greater Oslo area, represents a major step toward sustainable energy infrastructure and supports Norway’s ambitions to achieve Net-Zero emissions by 2050.

The deployment involves the installation of two 420-kilovolt (kV) grid connections using EconiQ®, Hitachi Energy’s eco-efficient, gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) solution that eliminates sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a potent greenhouse gas. This technology is designed to reduce the environmental impact while maintaining high efficiency and reliability.

With Oslo’s population projected to grow by 33%—reaching 1.6 million by 2030—the need for a more robust electrical infrastructure is critical. Statnett’s expansion aims to boost the grid’s transmission capacity by 60%, ensuring stable electricity supply during peak demand.

Niklas Persson, Managing Director of Grid Integration at Hitachi Energy, emphasized the collaboration’s importance: “Norway has long been a driving force in renewable energy, and now Statnett is setting even higher standards for sustainable energy infrastructure.”

The project reflects a broader trend across Europe, where utilities are phasing out SF6-based systems to align with climate goals. The partnership also builds on a long-standing relationship between Hitachi Energy and Statnett, rooted in technological innovation and a shared commitment to cleaner energy systems.

Source: hitachienergy.com