MASSACHUSETTS – National Grid is upgrading its substation at Ayer with SF6-free circuit breakers designed by Siemens Energy.

Siemens Energy’s Blue circuit breakers are commissioned to be installed at National Grid’s substation in Ayer, Massachusetts. The substation serves many North Central Massachusetts communities.

Both companies are committed to addressing climate change through environmentally friendly technological solutions. Siemens Energy’s circuit breaker installation will be the first of its kind in the National Grid U.S. electricity network, reports Energy Capital.

Siemens Energy’s solution comprises a combination of vacuum switching technology and clean air insulation, which reduces greenhouse emissions while increasing the recycling rate without maintenance, the manufacturer said in a media release.

“The SF6-free circuit breaker for this voltage class will help us meet our net-zero carbon emissions targets,” said Jim McGrath, New England Director of Substation Engineering for National Grid.  “Climate change is one of the greatest challenges that we currently confront as a society. It requires bold, creative solutions. The Blue circuit breaker is an excellent example of a solution that will help reduce our emissions,” McGrath commented.

The member of the Siemens Energy managing board responsible for the Transmission business, Tim Holt said: “We have an 11-year proven track record of successful vacuum high-voltage circuit breaker applications, “said Tim Holt, member of the Siemens Energy Transmission business managing board.

The new environmentally friendly breakers should be installed at the Ayer substation by 2023. 

Source: Energy Capital; Siemens Energy