Project highlights
Additional Features of Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ Technology
- Eco-efficiency: EconiQ technology eliminates SF6 and replaces it with a low-carbon gas mixture, significantly reducing the carbon footprint throughout the entire life cycle of high-voltage equipment. This eco-efficient portfolio is designed to deliver superior environmental performance compared to conventional solutions.
- Reliability and scalability: Built on proven technology, EconiQ equipment is engineered to withstand demanding conditions and can be scaled to the highest voltage ratings. This ensures reliable performance and broad applicability across various high-voltage applications.
- Future-proofing: EconiQ solutions are designed to be adaptable, allowing for future technological advancements and increasing energy demands. This aspect ensures that investments in EconiQ technology endure the test of time.
The EconiQ® Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) substation at Bengeworth Road, part of National Grid’s London Power Tunnels (LPT2) project, is set to become the UK’s first 400 kV installation free of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). This pioneering development, driven by Linxon in partnership with National Grid and Hitachi Energy, tackles a critical environmental challenge—eliminating SF6 from the energy infrastructure.
SF6 has been the industry standard for decades due to its exceptional insulating and arc-quenching capabilities. However, it is also the most potent greenhouse gas in the world, with a global warming potential between 23,500 – 25,200* times greater than carbon dioxide. Emissions from aging equipment and routine maintenance have made SF6 a significant contributor to global warming, underscoring the urgency of finding more sustainable alternatives.
“The EconiQ solution from Hitachi Energy now being deployed on LPT2 replaces SF6 with advanced eco-efficient gas mixtures, offering the same reliability and efficiency while significantly reducing environmental impact. This aligns seamlessly with the UK’s net-zero goals. The substation’s modular design ensures adaptability for future technological advancements and increasing energy demands, further enhancing its sustainability credentials.”
Illustration of the Hitachi Energy EconiQ 420 kV GIS
This groundbreaking project demonstrates that transitioning to SF6-free technology is both feasible and necessary for achieving a sustainable energy future. By addressing a major source of emissions, the EconiQ SF6-free GIS substation sets a benchmark for innovation and environmental responsibility. Due to the resounding success of the LPT2 project, this new technology is now becoming the default solution for our upcoming GIS projects in the UK, with several new projects currently being designed to utilise this technology. This approach serves as an inspiring model for the global energy sector, emphasizing the importance of bold, collaborative action to combat climate change and ensure long-term resilience.
The EconiQ breaker arriving at the Bengeworth Road site
Through its Bengeworth Road substation, the LPT2 project will effectively remove operational emissions of 12,663 tCO2e compared with traditional SF6 over a 30-year life cycle. This is the equivalent to the annual emissions of nearly 4,700 UK homes!
The shift to SF6-free technology aligns with the evolving F-gas regulations. The European Union has introduced new rules under Regulation (EU) 2024/573, which impose stricter measures to phase out the use of fluorinated gases like SF6. These regulations aim to mitigate the environmental impact of F-gases by significantly reducing the quantities allowed on the market and expanding prohibitions on F-gas equipment. This new regulation emphasizes the urgent need to eliminate SF6 from electrical equipment due to its high global warming potential.
EconiQ factory acceptance test (FAT)
Similarly, the UK has implemented its own set of regulations under the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases Regulations 2015. These regulations closely mirror the EU’s approach and include measures to phase out the use of SF6 in certain new products and equipment. The adoption of EconiQ technology and the use of the lower-carbon C4FN gas mixtures support the UK’s broader strategy to achieve its climate goals and reduce the environmental impact of high-GWP gases.
Green Apple Award Recognition
Green Apple Award ceremony
Linxon has been honored with three prestigious International Green Apple Environmental Awards for its implementation of EconiQ SF6-free technology in the London Power Tunnel 2 project. The awards recognize Linxon’s achievements in the following categories:
- Carbon reduction: Linxon received the Green Champion Award for significantly reducing carbon emissions through the use of EconiQ technology[1].
- Climate change benefits: The Gold Award was presented to Linxon for the substantial climate change mitigation benefits of the SF6-free substation[1].
- Fuel efficiency: Linxon earned the Bronze Award for enhancing fuel efficiency in its operations[1].
These accolades were presented at a ceremony held at The Orangery, Kensington Palace, London, on November 18, 2024. As a result of this recognition, Linxon has also attained Green World Ambassador status and has been featured in The Green Book, an international reference on environmental best practices.
As a result of receiving the Green Champion Award for Carbon Reduction, Linxon was also recognised as a Green World Ambassador. This recognition reflects Linxon’s involvement in sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. The Green World Ambassador Award is presented to organizations that have made significant contributions to environmental protection and preservation. The award ceremony was held at St Paul’s Cathedral in June 2025.Greenport in the US – another pioneering project utilizing EconiQ technology
Bengeworth substation building
In the United States, Linxon is working on the Greenport project in Austin, Texas, which includes the development of a 100 MW/200 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). This project utilizes EconiQ high-voltage circuit breakers, showcasing the eco-efficient technology’s capability to support large-scale energy storage solutions. The Greenport project is part of a strategic partnership with Available Power, aimed at developing 1 GW of distributed energy storage projects in the Texas ERCOT market.
“By integrating EconiQ technology into its projects and receiving such esteemed awards, Linxon is setting new standards for environmental responsibility and innovation in the energy sector. These efforts not only contribute to the UK’s net-zero goals but also serve as a model for sustainable energy infrastructure worldwide”.