GE Vernova has announced that its Grid Solutions division will manufacture and deliver the world’s first 245 kV SF6-free gas-insulated substation (GIS) for Réseau de Transport d’Electricité (RTE), France’s electricity transmission operator. The substation, part of an ongoing collaboration with RTE, will replace SF6, a potent greenhouse gas, with g3 technology, reducing CO2 equivalent emissions by approximately 99%.

The substation will use GE Vernova’s B105 SF6-free GIS, developed under the EU’s LIFE Program, which funds environmental and climate action projects. This new technology aligns with RTE’s strategy to decarbonize its infrastructure and support the transition to a low-carbon energy system. The B105 GIS will also feature GE Vernova’s F35g 145 kV technology, which has already been proven in other RTE projects.

The project is a key step in RTE’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions from its high-voltage grid, with the 245 kV GIS expected to prevent 20,000 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions. Both development and manufacturing of these SF6-free products will take place in France.

Khalid Abdallaoui, RTE’s Executive Director of Asset Management, highlighted the importance of this development, emphasizing that it will help RTE meet its goal of achieving Net Zero by 2050.

Vera Silva, CTO of GE Vernova Electrification, noted that the project is a milestone for the market’s acceptance of SF6-free technology.

Source: gevernova.com