SA Power Networks Extends Partnership with Schneider Electric on New Trial to Decarbonize Grid Operations

Schneider Electric, a leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, has announced an extension of its partnership with SA Power Networks to transform its grid operations.

The landmark project to cut emissions and transform SA Power Networks grid operations, uses pure air technology to prevent CO₂ emissions entering the atmosphere. For every kilo of SF6 gas, 25 tonnes of CO₂ are emitted, which is avoidable using this landmark innovation.

The partnership will see SA Power Networks, the principal electricity distributor to approximately 1.7 million customers in South Australia, join a trial of Schneider Electric’s new SF6-free Pure Air Ring Main Unit (RMU).

The first-of-its-kind deployment on its network is part of the SA Power Networks sustainability efforts to decarbonise its grid operations and remove harmful SF6 greenhouse gases from its electricity infrastructure.

RMUs are switchgear used at the load connection points of a ring-type distribution network to feed a distribution transformer medium voltage to low voltage (MV to LV). SF6 gas has been widely used in RMUs since the 1980s due to its superior electric insulation properties, although it is 23,500 times more potent than CO₂ and therefore poses an environmental risk.

By implementing Schneider Electric’s RM AirSeT technology, SA Power Networks is eliminating the potential environmental risk associated with SF6 gas while maintaining operational safety and reliability standards. The trial, using existing infrastructure, will continue to support CO₂ emissions reduction with the removal of SF6 gas from SA Power Networks’ operations.

“We are delighted to deepen our partnership with SA Power Networks, and this trial will play a significant role in enabling the company to decarbonise its grid operations. By unifying our expertise in energy management solutions with SA Power Networks' commitment to sustainable solutions, we are proud to deliver this industry-first initiative to build a greener grid infrastructure,” said James Hunt, Vice President for Power Systems at Schneider Electric.

As sustainability regulations tighten worldwide, this trial puts SA Power Networks ahead of the curve in Australia, positioning it as a leader in sustainable energy management. The installation of Schneider’s SF6-free Pure Air Ring Main Units accentuates SA Power Networks’ commitment to greener, cleaner grid operations.

"This move to further transform our grid operations marks a significant next step forward in our efforts to provide a more sustainable network for our customers through establishing cleaner switching stations across the state,” said Aren Sears, Network Control Manager, SA Power Networks.