sf6free

The Power to Adapt

The energy grid is undergoing a transformation as networks shift towards renewable energy sources. Decentralized generation and evolving energy storage solutions are increasing the complexity of grid management, making stability more challenging. ABB Electrification Distribution Solutions partners with businesses to navigate these changes by ensuring a reliable flow of electricity, and with our new SF6-free switchgear, we support utilities and industries on their energy transition journey. As new regulations emerge, our technology helps customers adapt to a future-ready grid while meeting regulatory demands.

Energy Transitions podcast

Listen Adrian Guggisberg, President of Distribution Solutions at ABB, speaking about the disruptive dynamics facing utilities and why incentivising change will be critical to deploying successful digitalisation strategies.

Listen now

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Shaping Europe’s Energy Future: Key Transition Priorities

The transition to a net-zero economy means a profound transformation of the European energy sector. It means integrating renewable energy, modernizing aging infrastructure and applying digital technologies and automation for greater efficiency and reliability.

According to our new survey, the transition away from fossil fuels is a priority for 71% of European energy utilities and industries. But there is a reality gap—the need for more investment to meet clean energy goals.

Download the full survey report and read our detailed insights today.

Download the Whitepaper

SF6-Free Product Range

ABB is ready to introduce our next generation of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)-free switchgear product range using the same user interface, footprint, proven components, and operations as the existing portfolio.

We’ll deliver the same quality and reliability our customers expect from us. Products will be commercially available in 2025.

All

Primary distribution

Secondary distribution

Components

Primary distribution

PrimeGear ZX0

Compact and cost-effective switchgear for standard applications in primary power distribution, built as a single busbar design. Available with dry air (SF6-free) up to 12 kV.

PrimeGear ZX2

Compact switchgear for demanding applications in primary power distribution, built as a single busbar design. Available based on natural origin gases (SF6-free) up to 24kV.

PrimeGear ZX0 Product Page

PrimeGear ZX2 Product Page

Secondary distribution

SafeRing/SafePlus Air

Compact gas-insulated switchgear for secondary power distribution, with dry air up to 24kv. Puffer-type load break switch (LBS) specifically for SF6-free applications interrupting load currents in dry air.

UniSec Air

Indoor air-insulated switchgear for secondary power distribution. UniSec Air includes the load break switch (LBS) and disconnector Gsec Air, SF6-free up to 24 kV.

Components

GSec Air switch disconnector

GSec Air is a SF6-free medium voltage three-positions switch-disconnector and earthing switch for secondary distribution medium voltage switchgear.

Safe Ring/SafePlus Air Product Page

UniSec Air Product Page

GSec Air Product Page

Primary distribution

PrimeGear ZX0

Compact and cost-effective switchgear for standard applications in primary power distribution, built as a single busbar design. Available with dry air (SF6-free) up to 12 kV.

PrimeGear ZX2

Compact switchgear for demanding applications in primary power distribution, built as a single busbar design. Available based on natural origin gases (SF6-free) up to 24kV.

PrimeGear ZX0 Product Page

PrimeGear ZX2 Product Page

Secondary distribution

SafeRing/SafePlus Air

Compact gas-insulated switchgear for secondary power distribution, with dry air up to 24kV. Puffer-type load break switch (LBS) specifically for SF6-free applications interrupting load currents in dry air.

UniSec Air

Indoor air-insulated switchgear for secondary power distribution. UniSec Air includes the load break switch (LBS) and disconnector Gsec Air, SF-6 free up to 24 kV.

Safe Ring/SafePlus Air Product Page

UniSec Air Product Page

Components

GSec Air switch disconnector

GSec Air is a SF6-free medium voltage three-positions switch-disconnector and earthing switch for secondary distribution medium voltage switchgear.

GSec Air Product Page

Frequently Asked Questions

When will the ABB SF6-free products be commercially available? 

ABB SF6-free products will be commercially available in 2025.

What are the SF6-free solutions that ABB brings to the market?

In 2013, ABB launched its first Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) free gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) (up to 12kV) and continued introducing variants to the SF6-free switchgear range. Now, it is ready to introduce the next generation of SF6-free switchgear solutions, using dry air and natural origin gas technology for 24kV and above applications, for deliveries in 2025.  

The switchgear offerings will include:  

Safe Ring/Safe Plus Air (Up to 24 kV)  
PrimeGear ZX2 (Up to 24kV)  
UniSec Air (Up to 24 kV) 
GSec Air (Up to 24 kV)

Are ABB's SF6-free solutions different from the SF6 variants?

Our new SF6-free product solutions range uses the same user interface, footprint, proven components, and operation as the existing portfolio but without SF6.

Will ABB phase out the SF6 switchgear portfolio?

ABB will continue to offer its traditional SF6 gas-insulated switchgear alongside the new solutions to support our customers’ rapidly growing requirements for electrification solutions and enable a smooth transition to SF6-free solutions in an evolving global regulatory environment.

ABB’s complete transition to SF6-free switchgear will be phased in line with our ambitious sustainability targets, evolving regulatory deadlines, market demand, and production capacity. However, this is a long-term strategy, and in the mid-term, we will continue offering both SF6 and SF6-free switchgear as required by our customer needs and market regulations.