Hitachi Energy and EGAT to achieve world’s first 550 kV eco-efficient gas retrofil World-first EconiQ retrofill at 550 kV will cut SF6 emissions while preserving full grid performance and reliability

Hitachi Energy and EGAT to complete the first-ever eco?efficient gas retrofill at the 550 kV level, setting a new benchmark for eco-efficient high?voltage infrastructure
The project will eliminate ~800 kg of SF6 and avoid 97 tonnes of CO??equivalent emissions, delivering a 95% reduction in climate impact

Existing 550 kV gas?insulated lines are upgraded without modifying primary equipment, minimizing operational disruption

Hitachi Energy, the global leader in electrification, in collaboration with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), will complete the world’s first 550 kilovolt (kV) application of eco-efficient EconiQ(R) retrofill technology on existing, inservice assets originally designed for sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). This breakthrough project will preserve Thailand’s grid performance while delivering a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2026.

EGAT will upgrade 130 meters of 550 kV gas-insulated lines (GIL) at the Nan Substation using Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ high-voltage technology. The project replaces existing SF6 with an advanced eco-efficient gas mixture without modifying or replacing any primary equipment.

This upgrade enables EGAT to eliminate approximately 800 kg of SF6, avoid 97 tonnes of CO?-equivalent emissions and deliver a more than 95 percent reduction in CO?-equivalent impact whilemaintaining full performance and system reliability1.

“Together with EGAT, we are delivering the world-first EconiQ retrofill at 550 kV, setting a new global benchmark,” said Wolf Mueller, CEO, Service, Hitachi Energy. “This project demonstrates how upgrading existing high?voltage infrastructure can accelerate the path to net-zero.”

“EGAT is committed to leading Thailand’s energy transition with responsibility and professionalism,” said Mr. Narin Phoawanich, Governor of EGAT. “This project supports our mission to secure a sustainable future for the nation and all Thai people.”

The EconiQ retrofill underscores EGAT’s commitment to maximizing the performance of its existing infrastructure while reducing environmental impact. This project demonstrates a practical path to reducing emissions from existing high-voltage assets while minimizing operational disruption.
Scheduled for completion in December 2026, the project will align with Hitachi Energy’s global roadmap for SF6-free high-voltage technologies and contribute to Thailand’s 2050 net-zero pathway.

EconiQ is Hitachi Energy’s eco-efficient portfolio designed for superior environmental performance, enabling customers around the world to advance their sustainability goals through proven, high?impact technologies.

References:

1 Based on IPCC AR6 global warming potential values and IEC 62271-1 ed.2.1 2021-10, Section 6.16.3 IEC 62271-1.