EU Affirms Confidence in GE’s g³ Technology by Co-Funding Development of Its 245 kV SF₆-free g³ Gas-Insulated Substation

Rhea-AI Summary

The European Commission's LIFE program has awarded GE Renewable Energy €3 million to develop a 245 kV g³ gas-insulated substation. This initiative, aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, is part of GE's commitment to deliver SF₆-free technology, compliant with stricter EU regulations targeting a two-thirds reduction in F-gas emissions by 2030. Over 30 electrical utilities are adopting GE's g³ products, contributing to a potential decrease of over one million tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions annually. The new substation will support urban and offshore projects, enhancing the electric grid's sustainability.

Positive

• Received €3 million funding from the EU for the development of a g³ gas-insulated substation.
• Third g³ gas project co-funded by the EU within four years, showcasing sustained confidence in GE's technology.
• Adoption of g³ products by over 30 utilities, potentially eliminating over one million tons of CO₂ equivalent emissions annually.

Negative

• None.

• EU’s LIFE program recognizes potential of GE Renewable Energy’s g³ insulating and switching gas as an alternative to sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) to help significantly cut global greenhouse gas emissions
• This is the third GE g³ gas product development to be co-funded by the EU Commission within four years
• New 245 kV g³ gas-insulated substation (GIS) for both onshore and offshore application will complete GE’s SF₆-free GIS range particularly for the European electrical grids, and help utilities get ready for stricter fluorinated (F)-gas regulations

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- The European Commission’s LIFE climate action program has awarded GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions business (NYSE-GE) €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 third GE g³ (pronounced “g” cubed) 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. GE’s LIFE SF₆-FREE GIS project addresses the urgent need for reducing the use of SF₆, a powerful greenhouse gas currently prevalent in high voltage equipment, with GE’s game-changing g³ gas technology. g³ equipment feature the same high performance and compact size as traditional SF₆ products with a 99% reduced global warming potential.

Today, more than 30 leading electrical utilities have already adopted GE’s g³ products for their high voltage networks. Their adoption has the effect of eliminating the potential addition of more than one million tons of CO₂ equivalent to the grid. That is equal to removing about 476,000 petrol cars from the road for one year.

“This new g³ 245 kV GIS will play an important role in meeting demand for compact SF₆-free substations in urban areas, as well as offshore projects, and enable the extension of the network and replacement of aging assets without this potent greenhouse gas,” Eric Chaussin, GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions High Voltage Products Leader.

At this week’s CIGRE Session 2022 in Paris, GE is exhibiting the world’s first SF₆-free interrupter for protecting 420 kV 63 kA networks.

For the full press release, click here.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220831005080/en/

For media inquiries, contact:

Allison J. Cohen

GE Renewable Energy, Grid Solutions business

Allison.J.Cohen@ge.com

 

Source: GE

FAQ

What funding has GE received for its g³ technology development?

GE has received €3 million from the European Commission's LIFE program to develop a 245 kV g³ gas-insulated substation.

How does GE's g³ technology contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions?

GE's g³ technology replaces sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) with a gas that has a 99% reduced global warming potential, helping to significantly cut greenhouse gas emissions.

What is the significance of the 245 kV g³ gas-insulated substation?

The 245 kV g³ gas-insulated substation is essential for meeting the demand for SF₆-free solutions in urban and offshore areas, aligning with EU regulations.

How many utilities have adopted GE's g³ products?

More than 30 leading electrical utilities have adopted GE's g³ products, contributing to significant reductions in potential CO₂ emissions.

What are the EU's goals regarding F-gas emissions?

The EU aims to cut F-gas emissions by two-thirds by 2030, which GE's g³ technology aligns with.