b'Partner News Autumn 2023 33CorporateSupporting net zeroThe clean air equipment is being installed as part of a substation upgrade in Lewes, East Sussex. This project forms part of UK Power Networks ambition to reduce use of SF6 for new switchgear across all voltage ranges where alternatives are available on the market and supports UK targets for net zero carbon emissions, while maintaining reliable power supplies.Barry Hatton, director of asset management at UK Power Networks, said: Switchgear plays a vital role in the safe and secure distribution of electricity to homes and businesses. Over time, we want to make more use of environmentally-friendly technology to support a net zero carbon future.Clean air switchgearThis investment will pave the way for minimising the volume of SF6 on our network and using alternatives which maintain reliability and performance. We paves the way for awant to continue embracing innovative, sustainable and smart approaches to help enable the low carbon transition and minimise our own carbon footprint.greener future UK Power Networks became the first UK Distribution Network Operator with an officially ratified Science-Based Target committing to reduce all its Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 25% by 2028 from a 2018/19 By UK Power Networks baseline. UK Power Networks has also set a Net Zero target by 2028 on its controllable Scope 1 and 2 emissions, which include SF6 UK Power Networks has announced how itemissions. will be reducing its use of SF6one of the most potent greenhouse gases contributingMark Simblett, Managing Director to global warming. Transmission Products at Siemens Energy, said: We are delighted to have been Sulphur hexafluoride (commonly known ascommissioned to deliver this exciting new SF6) is widely used across the electricalproject for UK Power Networks and to industry as the main method of insulationhave the opportunity to utilise our SF6-free in high voltage electrical equipment and145kV switchgear technology.has approximately 22,800 times the global warming potential (GWP) of carbon dioxide. From the outset we have worked closely Switchgear plays a vitalwith UK Power Networks to offer detailed UK Power Networks is currently installingrole in the safe and secureinformation about the new technology, its first clean air Gas Insulated Switchgearhighlighting the main advantages and long-(GIS) operating at 132,000-volts, which isdistribution of electricity toterm benefits it will bring to their business free of SF6 and composed of dehumidifiedhomes and businesses. Overand of course the environment. Our clean oxygen, and nitrogen, and has zero globalair insulated technology is not only good warming potential. time, we want to make morefor the planet but the absence of F-gas will use of environmentally-friendlyalso benefit UK Power Networks through UK Power Networks has worked witha reduction in training requirements, Siemens Energy Limited, one of the supplierstechnology to support a netmanagement of F-gas reporting and the behind the new technology, to manufacturezero carbon future. recycling costs that are associated with its the companys first environmentally-friendlyuse. clean air GIS at 132,000-volts.'