GE Unveils World’s 1st 420 kV SF6-free g3 Circuit-Breaker for Gas-Insulated Substations

Rhea-AI Summary

GE Renewable Energy has unveiled the world's first 420 kV, 63 kA g³ gas-insulated substation (GIS) circuit-breaker prototype. This innovation marks a significant advancement in the power industry, offering a viable alternative to SF₆ gas. The g³ technology reduces greenhouse gas emissions by over 99%, contributing to cleaner electrical grids. The prototype, showcased to European transmission utilities, is expected for commercial release in 2023. This move aligns with GE's commitment to accelerating grid decarbonization through innovative solutions.

Positive

• Introduction of the world's first 420 kV g³ gas-insulated substation circuit-breaker prototype.
• g³ technology reduces greenhouse gas emissions by over 99%.
• Enhances the potential for decarbonization of electrical grids.
• Commercial availability expected in 2023.

Negative

• None.

• GE’s g³ 420 kV gas-insulated substation (GIS) circuit-breaker prototype demonstrates that g³ technology can be used at Europe’s highest voltage level, as well as other global voltage levels
• The use of g³ switching and insulation gas to replace SF₆, a potent greenhouse gas, helps reduce the global warming potential (GWP) by more than 99%
• The LifeGRID project, co-funded by EU’s LIFE Programme, puts GE’s Grid Solutions at the forefront of the industry’s effort to create a cleaner grid

PARIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- In a historical milestone for the power industry, GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions (NYSE-GE) unveiled the world’s first 420 kV, 63 kA g³ gas-insulated substation (GIS) circuit-breaker prototype. The g³ circuit-breaker was presented to a group of leading transmission utilities from across Europe, at a recent virtual roundtable event. The performance achieved by the prototype means that the industry will soon have a viable SF₆-free alternative for high voltage products. GE’s 420 kV fully g³ gas-insulated substation (GIS), which includes the g³ circuit-breaker, is expected to be commercially available in 2023.

A circuit-breaker is protective equipment that is critical to any substation and mainly used to cut or redirect power through another path if there is a problem on the electrical grid. This new circuit-breaker relies on GE’s game-changing g³ (pronounced “g”-cubed) gas-insulating and switching technology. g³ technology allows GE to build electrical equipment with the same high performance and compact size as traditional SF₆ products, along with a gas CO₂e impact reduced by 99%.

“The development of GE’s 420 kV g³ circuit-breaker is a historical milestone for the power industry as it will allow utilities to accelerate the decarbonization of their electrical grids. Until today, there was no viable alternative to SF₆ for GIS at the 420 kV level, the highest voltage level in Europe. This means that the g³ technology can also be applied to all existing main voltage levels around the world. We are proud to be at the forefront of the effort to create a cleaner grid and are currently developing other g³ circuit-breaker types, according to our roadmap,” said Vera Silva, Chief Technology Officer at GE’s Grid Solutions.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220329005104/en/

Allison J. Cohen

GE Renewable Energy, Grid Solutions business

Allison.J.Cohen@ge.com

Source: GE

FAQ

What is GE's new g³ gas-insulated substation circuit-breaker?

It is the world's first 420 kV, 63 kA gas-insulated substation circuit-breaker prototype that uses g³ technology.

When will GE's 420 kV g³ circuit-breaker be commercially available?

The commercial release is expected in 2023.

How does g³ technology benefit the environment?

It reduces greenhouse gas emissions by more than 99%, replacing SF₆.

What impact does this development have on the power industry?

It provides a viable alternative for high voltage products, facilitating the decarbonization of electrical grids.