Paris, FRANCE - More than 30 leading electrical utilities have already adopted GE’s products for their high voltage networks.

GE has announced that the European Commission’s LIFE climate action program has awarded GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions business (NYSE-GE) €3 million ($3 million) to fund the realization of a full SF₆-free 245 kilovolts (kV) g³ gas-insulated substation (GIS) for onshore and offshore applications.

This GE gas project co-funding reflects the EU Commission’s commitment to accelerate the decarbonization of Europe’s electrical grids and prepare utilities for the EU’s stricter fluorinated (F)-gas regulation, which aims to cut F-gas emissions two-thirds by 2030.

“The 245 kV voltage is a key standard voltage level for the European high voltage grid,” explains Eric Chaussin, GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions High Voltage Products Leader. “Having SF6-free gas-insulated substations at 245 kV will be crucial to support the decarbonization of the high voltage grid,” Chaussin said. “

According to GE, their project also addresses digitalization, which is another key challenge for the European high voltage grid. A grid becomes more complex when introducing intermittent sources, making proactive load balancing a key success factor. By integrating digital sensors in the primary equipment, the project is providing efficient data for grid operators moving toward more renewable sources. This becomes central to building a more resilient and robust grid. In addition, the replacement of conventional instrument transformers with a digital solution will deliver significant raw material savings, mainly in terms of copper and steel usage. This will not only limit resource depletion but also further reduce the switchgear’s carbon footprint.

Today, more than 30 leading electrical utilities have already adopted GE’s g³ products for their high voltage networks.

Source: GE Grid Solutions