IMPLEMENTING SF6-FREE MEDIUM VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR FOR A CLEANER GRID
IMPLEMENTING SF6-FREE MEDIUM VOLTAGE SWITCHGEAR FOR A CLEANER GRID
Dry-air insulated RMUs that cut lifecycle emissions while matching SF6 performance, footprint, safety, and pressure
0  t CO2e
Per unit lifetime cut
Prevented for each SF6-free RMU over its service life
0m t CO2e
Annual avoidance
At 25,000 units per year; equal to removing 540,000 cars
0Bar Abs. pressure
Type tests passed
KEMA, CESI, ICMET, KERI, Tecnalia, Pehla, Sveppi and GCC labs
For decades, medium voltage switchgear used SF6, a greenhouse gas over 23,500 times stronger than CO2. In 2021 we developed a fully SF6-free RMU. Each unit prevents about 100.8 tonnes of CO2e, and scaled production could avoid up to 2.52 million tonnes annually.

Now certified by leading labs and deployed in SEC – Saudi electricity company and NEOM, our SF6-free switchgear helps utilities across MENA meet global standards and build future-ready networks.

Designing SF6-free RMUs that match performance, footprint and pressure

Replace SF6 in ring main units without compromising safety, reliability or size. Use dry-air insulation at standard pressure with vacuum interruption, keep a 1:1 footprint and familiar operation, and secure full type tests and certifications.


Validation was carried out with KEMA, CESI, ICMET, KERI, Tecnalia, Pehla, Sveppi and GCC labs to prove endurance, protection and environmental performance.

Dry-air insulation and vacuum interruption, utility ready

We engineered a dry-air insulated RMU that uses a combined mechanism and shunt vacuum interruption for fast, dependable switching. Seals and materials were specified for long life at the required pressure, and interfaces kept a 1:1 match with SF6 units to simplify retrofit.  

Designs passed international type tests across eight labs and were industrialised with clear assembly, test and QC processes. Pilots in SEC – Saudi electricity company and NEOM inform scaling to 25,000 units per year, cutting material footprint by 15–20% and avoiding up to 2.52m tonnes of CO2e annually. The design is also proven for design class level 2 aging test in an international independent laboratory to ensure future sustainability and maintenance free for its complete lifetime. 

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SF6-free by design: same footprint, certified performance
FocusAreasWithIconDryair insulation design
FocusAreasWithIconShunt vacuum interruption
FocusAreasWithIconCombined mechanism
"
Leading the journey of SF₆-free RMU development has been both a challenge and an honor.
It reflects years of dedication, innovation, and persistence by our R&D team.
I am proud that together we are shaping a more sustainable and reliable future for power distribution.
Basil Almabrok
Executive Manager, R&D

PRODUCTS BEING USED

SF6free RMU
SF6free RMU
Medium-voltage ring main unit using dry air for insulation and switching
Shunt vacuum interrupter
Shunt vacuum interrupter
Proven vacuum technology delivering reliable fault interruption
Combined mechanism
Combined mechanism
Integrated operating mechanism for safe, consistent switching
Digital monitoring
Digital monitoring
Sensors and diagnostics supporting reliability and maintenance
A PRACTICAL PATH TO SF6-FREE MEDIUM VOLTAGE NETWORKS

A PRACTICAL PATH TO SF6-FREE MEDIUM VOLTAGE NETWORKS

Certified by international labs and deployed in the Kingdom, the SF6-free RMU matches familiar operation and footprint while eliminating SF6. Each unit avoids about 100.8 tonnes of CO2e over its life; production at 25,000 units a year could avoid 2.52 million tonnes annually.


With 15–20% lower material footprint and readiness for scale, the design supports utilities’ regulations, net-zero goals and Vision 2030. First locally developed in MENA and ahead of Europe’s 2026 ban.