Colombia. Groupe Renault implements green and digital SM AirSeT technology that removes the greenhouse gas SF6 in medium-voltage distribution cells.
Schneider Electric, a company that digitally transforms energy management and industrial automation, supplies the Renault group with SF6-free SM AirSeT equipment, an innovative solution that eliminates the SF6 greenhouse gas in its medium voltage switching equipment for Refactory, the first circular economy plant in Europe dedicated to mobility, with a negative CO2 target for 2030.
The French group aims to achieve a negative carbon balance in Refactory by 2030 and to become fully carbon neutral in Europe by 2040.
To meet this goal, the group has started by implementing innovative solutions using Schneider Electric's SM AirSeT medium voltage switching equipment. This sustainable equipment uses pure air and vacuum interruption technology instead of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6).
SF6 is commonly used in electrical distribution equipment, but has a potential 25,200 times stronger than carbon dioxide (CO2) if released into the environment. SF6 is increasingly becoming the subject of climate-focused regulations and efforts. This has been included in the Kyoto Protocol, an international treaty that commits UN parties to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
"SM AirSeT technology is designed for secondary electrical distribution markets, such as industrial and commercial construction and utility applications. These sectors are increasingly challenged to reduce their environmental footprint in an attempt to support climate action and accelerate the energy transition," says Andrés Díaz, director of Power Systems for the Andean Cluster.
The impact replacing SF6 gas will have in Latin America
Currently, the transmission of energy occurs through cells that use SF6 and electricity companies represent 80% of the global market, which due to its physical and traditional properties has allowed a flow of electric current to move it from point A to point B.
Despite this, it is important to recognize that many of the companies in Latin America have already realized the catastrophic effect that this gas has on the environment and more when leaks occur.
This gas is used in most technology of electrical installations of buildings, hospitals, data centers, as well as distribution networks.
Making a change regarding the use of this pollutant would have a significant impact for Latin America since 1 kg. of SF6 has the same impact as 23,500 kg. of CO2, which is equivalent to driving a car for 200,000 kilometers.
Like Groupe Renault, Schneider Electric says it has focused on finding opportunities to increase sustainability, pioneering the shift towards SF6-free MV technology, replacing gas with pure air.
In 2021 the SM AirSeT cell was launched which has received multiple awards and recognitions as a facilitator of the green and efficient energy transition, such as the Industrial Energy Efficiency Award at Hannover Messe, the Top 10 Innovation Award of the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum, and an iF Design Award. The technology was also recently honored at the 2022 Energy Mastering Awards and recognized by the International Carbon Handprint Award at Climate Week NYC.
Schneider Electric is committed to phasing out SF6 from its products and those of its value chain and allies, expecting to avoid the equivalent of around four million tonnes of CO2 emissions per year through this action.
