Sustainable medium voltage technology

See how Romande Energie deploys sustainable MV equipment in Switzerland. The company already generates electricity entirely from renewable sources and is increasing its reliance on green technologies for electricity distribution. In February 2023, the grid operator modernised the MV substation in L’Auberson and has used SF6-free AirSeT RMU since then — the first 24 kV system of this type in the world.

MV switchgear historically uses sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆), a synthetic insulating gas that enables compact and safe power systems. Yet, the impact on the planet is massive: 1 kg of SF₆ is 25 t of CO₂ equivalent. More sustainable power grids require a climate-friendly and future-orientated alternative. The AirSeT MV switchgear uses pure air as the insulating gas of the future (GWP = 0).

Check the use of RM AirSeT: SF₆-free gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) RMU for secondary MV distribution in L'Auberson at an altitude of 1,100 m in a 21 kV network. The MV switchgear uses innovative shunt vacuum interruption (SVI) for load breaking and pure air for insulation. The power system's robust design suits it for installations at great heights and low temperatures.

The RM AirSeT offers unprecedented flexibility thanks to its scalable design and variety of functions. With its robust components for a rated voltage of 24 kV, the GIS switchgear is built to perform and last. Extensive digital functions offer remote monitoring of the MV distribution network as well as integration into smart grids. This enables a flexible and resilient design of the power grid.