Schneider Electric’s new SF6-free medium voltage switchgear is among three new products and solutions nominated for the prestigious HERMES Award. Additionally, the company’s green and digital switching technology is also shortlisted for the Industrial Energy Efficiency Award (IEEA).

The innovative new switching technology avoids the use of the SF6 greenhouse gas, instead using a revolutionary combination of pure air and vacuum interruption.

The HERMES Award is a top international technology prize, honors outstanding products and innovative solutions. The IEEA recognises exceptional energy efficiency made possible by manufacturers and utilities.

“The industrial and energy worlds are clearly focused on energy decarbonisation and efficiency, and I’m honored to see Schneider Electric in the spotlight. We know that the future is green and digital, and it’s a pleasure to receive this confirmation that we are leading the way,” Schneider Electric executive vice president – power systems Frederic Godemel says.

The switchgear uses the company’s new shunt vacuum interruption (SVI) technology combined with pure air insulation, which enables the avoidance of SF6 while maintaining the advantages of the compact physical footprint, cost-effectiveness and trusted operating mode of traditional SF6-based equipment.

Schneider Electric has reported successful pilot projects of the new SF6-free medium voltage range at numerous electric utilities, including E.ON in Sweden, EEC Engie in New Caledonia and GreenAlp in France, with more being energised on a regular basis, including in private power networks for commercial and industrial applications.

The winner of the HERMES Award and the IEEA will be announced on 14 July 2020 during the HANNOVER MESSE Digital Days.