SSEN Transmission and its partner GE Vernova have made significant strides in the installation of SF6-free circuit breaker technology at Kintore Substation in Aberdeenshire. This move is part of a larger effort to eliminate the potent greenhouse gas, SF6, from grid infrastructure.

GE Vernova’s cutting-edge 420 kV g3 gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) and gas-insulated busbar (GIB) are set to replace SF6, reducing emissions by 99% without compromising performance. The technology is aligned with SSEN Transmission’s goal of decarbonizing its operations, supporting national clean energy initiatives, and achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

Kevin Hutton, Senior Project Manager at SSEN Transmission, highlighted the significance of the installation, stating that the equipment would play a vital role in upgrading the substation to 400 kV, ultimately delivering cleaner energy across the UK. This move follows SSEN Transmission’s leadership in adopting clean technology, becoming the first transmission operator to be accredited by the Science Based Target initiative for carbon reduction.

The project marks a significant milestone as SSEN Transmission prepares to fully energize the upgraded Kintore substation by 2026.