Episode Transcript
[00:00:10] Speaker A: Welcome to the EU Energy Projects Podcast, a podcast series from Enlida and France focusing on the clean energy transition for the European Union and the EU Commission funded energy projects that will help us achieve it. My name is Aretid Daradimu. I am the editor of the EU Energy Projects podcast and your host.
Hello everyone. In today's episode we explore how Europe's transmission grids can become more sustainable without compromising reliability.
We focus on the LifeBlue 420kV GIS project which is pioneering sulfur hexafluoride free high voltage switchgear and digital monitoring solutions.
My guest is Mark Kushel, project lead of the initiative who joins us to discuss its impact and future outlook.
Hello Mark, thank you very much for being with me here today and could you please briefly introduce the project for our audience?
[00:01:18] Speaker B: Hello to everybody. Thank you very much having me. Yeah. My name is Mark Kushel. I am located in Berlin working in the switch gear factory. I'm head of international standardization and. Right. I am one of the leading person in this project.
Lifeblue 420 kilovolt GIS. Yeah, this is absolutely. This project is a groundbreaking initiative that embodies the future of sustainable energy transmission. This project is actually part of a broader European effort to phase out SF6. This means sulfur hexafluoride. SF6 actually is from technical point of view really great. But the topic is that it has extremely high global warming potential. It is 24 times that of CO2 and its persistence in the atmosphere for over 1000 years.
So therefore this project especially focusing on developing and piloting a 420 kilovolt gas insulated switch gear GIS that is completely free of SF6 and any other fluorinated gases for the first time globally. Instead of SF6 a natural origin gas mixture composed of nitrogen and oxygen, N202 and we call it Klinia will be used.
This extraordinary innovation integrates this cleanear technology combined with vacuum switching technology resulting in a switchgear that not only meets but also exceeds environmental and operational standards.
It will offer zero greenhouse gas emissions. So clean air has a global warming potential of zero.
Of course clean air our atmosphere it is absolutely non toxic avoids.
This means it avoids regulatory and environmental risks associated with fluorinated gases and also PFAS substances.
[00:03:25] Speaker A: How do you see however the significance of the project for tso? I would like to focus a little bit on that.
[00:03:32] Speaker B: Oh, good questions. Let's dive into the project and profound significance for Transmission System Operators TSOs.
So this project is a huge leap forward for TSOs representing a critical shift towards sustainable and emission free grid infrastructure. TSOs, as you know, are the heart of ensuring reliable and efficient power transmission. And this project directly addresses their pressing challenges by eliminating eliminating SF6.
By pioneering a GIS technology that uses Kleiner instead of SF6. The project not only aligns with stringent EU regulations, but also significantly reduces the environmental footprint of high voltage equipment.
This transition is vital for TSOs as they navigate the dual challenge of expanding grid capacity to meet rising electricity demand at the same time adhering to net zero carbon goals. Europe once become climate neutral up to 2050, so therefore this is also valid for TSOs.
[00:04:49] Speaker A: If I'm not mistaken, the project also integrates a digital low power instrument transformer or lpit.
What potential benefits does this bring for grid monitoring and efficiency?
[00:05:02] Speaker B: Yeah, absolutely.
In this project we also develop a digital low power instrument transformer and for the first time for 420 kilovolt level, where sensors will be embedded in a cast resin partition. And this is actually a game changer, especially from efficiency and sustainability point of view.
The design meets much more complex space requirements actually and ensures also highest measurement accuracy for current and voltage measurement.
In addition, the wide bandwidth enables power quality monitoring which especially is a key function in future with regards to more and more renewable energy in the grids.
In addition, also safety is improved through low power analog outputs which eliminates the risk associated with open secondary terminals like in the conventional inductive instrument transformers, handstand, the partition embedded low power instrument sensors combine reliable insulation technology, safe and advanced features, precise, very precise measurement and a very compact sustainable design aligned with the next generation digital substation architectures, while reducing environmental impact and life cycle costs. So in particular, the LPIT saves more than 5 tons of material per GIS bay and some hundreds meter cables on the top.
So really a game changer.
[00:06:51] Speaker A: Absolutely. But how does it ensure that it meets the operational needs of DSOs? Because the technology is one thing, the operational needs is another.
[00:07:01] Speaker B: Yeah, of course, operational needs. So basically the development incorporates the operational requirements of DSOS by adhering to rigorous international standards. For the switchgear itself we have the ISC 62271 series and of course there are also standards for the low power instrument transformers. So that means the design addresses all critical factors such as the insulation short, but also the long term capability, the switching capacity, the mechanical stability and the environmental resistance.
So the project also includes a pilot installation to validate also on site handling and performance under real grid stressors.
So this comprehensive approach ensures that the technology is not only innovative but also robust, reliable and fully compatible with existing grid infrastructure, thereby meeting the high operational standards of DSOs.
[00:08:12] Speaker A: Now in theory it sounds really good, everything that you described. I would like however to go a little bit in practice and see how that works. There is an installation, a pilot installation that will take place at Elias substation nearby Brussels, Belgium. Now how important is that and how are you going to apply everything that we discussed so far there?
[00:08:34] Speaker B: Yeah, we are very glad to have ALIA as a partner in this project.
The choice of substations near Brussels for the pilot installation is for us and for the project, strategically significant. I would say so. First of all, Elia is a major TSO in Belgium, but also one of the important TSOs in Europe, operating with a complex and highly interconnected European grid.
Belgium is quite central located in Europe.
So that means piloting our technology here allows us for testing in a very, yeah, I would say representative environment in the highest European voltage level, ensuring that the GIS can perform reliably under operational pressures of a buzzy busy of a very busy substation.
This location also facilitates close cooperation with Leah's experts, enabling real time feedback and rapid iteration.
So that means success at this site will serve as a powerful proof of concept, finally accelerating broader adaptation across Europe and reinforcing confidence among all European but also global TSOs in the technology readiness and scalability.
[00:10:07] Speaker A: I want to circle back a little bit to what we discussed about sulfur hexafluoride. Just want to ask you a question that is like quite obvious maybe, but not for everybody. Why is it important to reduce the use of sulfur hexafluoride in high voltage switchgear?
[00:10:25] Speaker B: SF6 has a cornerstone in high voltage switchgear technology since the 1960s due to its excellent insulating and arc quenching properties. However, as already mentioned, SF6 is also the most potent greenhouse gas known with a global warming potential of 24,000 times that of CO2 and also important to mention the lifetime exceeding 1000 years.
So even with modern equipment's low leakage rates below 0.1percent per year, any release of SF6 contributes to global warming. And this is at the moment against the background of global warming and climate change, a must to step out of SF6.
The Environmental Impact has led to stringent regulations worldwide, including the EU F gas regulation banning new switch gears in future with F gases having global warming potential above 1 from 2028 for voltage levels up to 145 kilovolts and in 2032 for voltage levels above 145 kilowatts. So that means, to summarize, reducing SF6 use is fitted to meet global net zero targets and mitigate climate change.
Making the transition to SF63 technologies, therefore, not just a technical challenge, but a moral imperative for the energy sector and society.
[00:12:00] Speaker A: Can we say a little bit of the technical challenges, as you mentioned, of developing SF6 free technology at higher voltages? For example, let's take the 420kV level that the project is focusing on. What are the main technical challenges you touched upon it? I just want you in bullet points to give me the challenges, please.
[00:12:21] Speaker B: So developing SF6 3 switchgear at high voltage level like 420 kilos is a real technical challenge as SF6 has unique electrical strength and arc quenching capabilities.
So therefore the clean air technology is. We have a lower dielectrical strength. That means it requires for 420 kilovolts design optimization.
So basically we increase gas pressure, we enlarge slightly the equipment to meet all the, to manage the electrical stresses safely. So this is what counts more. Also the thermal management is also very important. We have a rated current which is of course also associated with heat dissipation.
And here we need to do it. So worldwide there's so far no FCAS 3, 420 kilovolt GIS available.
So that means we are pioneering here these voltage levels for the first time worldwide.
Also for the short circuit current interruption, we will use vacuum interrupters and also here we will connect some of them in series.
And here we have to handle higher post arc currents. And we need to make sure that the voltage distributions will be of course stable and also associated with clean air and vacuum. We will be able to go to the very, very low temperatures of minus 50 degrees Celsius up to, you know, to the very hot, humid and corrosive atmosphere. Yeah, so there are some challenges, but we are very, very sure that based on our experiences, digital twin simulation testing, we will make this innovation happen.
[00:14:24] Speaker A: Absolutely. And why is the 420kV voltage level such a critical benchmark for the, for the transmission grid?
[00:14:32] Speaker B: Yeah, for 145 kilovolts, this is the mass level. We have here already very successfully introduced clean air products.
But now 420 kilovolts, this is the highest voltage level in Europe. So therefore it represents a common highest high voltage level and is used excessively across European but also other grids for bike power transmission. It balances the need for efficient long distance power transfer.
So therefore also here we have to prove and to show that SF6.3 application is possible. So successfully developing here in FCAS3GIS at this voltage level will demonstrate the feasibility of replacing SF6 in the entire grid infrastructure without compromising reliability and performance.
And for us, not only Europe is important as Siemens Energy is of course a global company.
And after the 420 kilovolt also voltage levels above 420 kilovolts which are used worldwide, like in India for example, in China also the 420 kilovolts will be a step, intermediate step to make also other voltage levels above 120 kilovolts.
At the end of the day also SF6 free.
[00:16:05] Speaker A: Exactly. And the project aims for numerous replications right of the results by 2032. What impact would you say could this have on European and global transmission systems?
[00:16:17] Speaker B: Yeah, you are absolutely right. The ambition to replicate the results of this SF63 switchgear will be used extensively by 2032.
And by replacing SF6 with this innovative greenhouse gas free alternatives, the project will directly address one of the most pressing environmental channels in the power transmission in Europe. But as mentioned later on, also in other parts of the world. Above 420, 420 kilovolts.
[00:16:54] Speaker A: How could the results of this project serve as a as a blueprint for future SF6 free switchgear at other voltage levels?
[00:17:03] Speaker B: The results directly of this project will serve as a critical blueprint actually for future SF63 switchgear development across various voltage levels above 420kV.
By taking let's say for example vacuum interruption in series, the basic research and development and the results of this will be considered for the next voltage levels.
So therefore we will have of course the tests in the lab, but also the pilot installation.
From practical point of view, the handling of this natural origin gas mixture combined with vacuum switching technology will be very important. To know what safety margin, for example in the designs are needed, what handling is crucial. We will make a lot of investigation in the on site pilot installation like X ray emissions, we will control insulations level, we will check gas quality changes with the grass quality. So there is a lot of research also associated with that project which will be key for us for the voltage levels then to be considered above 420 kilovolts.
[00:18:31] Speaker A: Mark, I would like us to discuss a little bit regulation now and EU commission.
So how does this initiative alignment with the EU's Climate and F gas regulation objectives?
[00:18:43] Speaker B: Yeah, that's of course also important.
The initiative is actually perfectly aligned with the EU's Climate and FCAS regulations objectives. As mentioned, the EU FGAS regulation and here become effective last year. So it is The FCAS Regulation 2024573 bans the use of fluorinated gases with a global warming pot above 1 in new switchgear installations from 2028 pushing the industry so US but also the grid operators towards sustainable alternatives. It gives us the frame to develop the products to be used then in the future topics. So the project's development using natural origin gases with a GWP of 0 directly support this regulatory framework.
So the project is co funded by the under the LIFE Europe reflecting strong international support for innovations that enhance chemical safety, promote circular economy principles and reduce environmental and health risk associated with chlorinated gases and PFAS substances.
So by demonstrating practically and reliably our clean air GIS in this project will of course meet and advances EU's ambitions towards climate goal paving the way for sustainable energy future. So in a sense, to summarize, this project is a beacon of innovation and environmental stewardship setting the stage for a global transition to a cleaner, safer and more sustainable power transmission system of the future.
[00:20:37] Speaker A: What would you change however, in EU policy to facilitate projects like LifeBlue?
[00:20:44] Speaker B: We have cement energy. We are part of different funding projects and different programs.
So to sum up, let me think. Yeah, to accelerate basically the breakthrough projects like our live blue 420kW I would say EU policy needs to make innovation faster, simpler and more rewarding.
So Europe already sends strong signals through its climate low, the Net Zero Industry act and the Clean Industrial Deal all aimed at achieving climate neutrality by 2050 and boosting decarbonization investment.
But to unlock their full impact, I would say innovation processes must become easier for those developing the next generation of clean technology.
I see three key layers actually.
So first of all, simplifying funding.
So my experiences some models are far more attractive than complex reimbursement schemes.
So they cut bureaucracy and let companies focus on building technology and not on navigating administration. So this is the first topic. The second topic, strengthen collaboration. That's in fact fantastic. I would also gain this. So EU funded programs connect manufacturers, research institutions and end users across borders. This is helping. So this network effect builds credibility, accelerates learning and gives innovative solutions the visibility they need to scale.
Because of course funding means a dedicated one palette will be installed, one product will be developed. But the bigger impact comes if the application is in Europe and the best if Europe can be here role models for the world and of course also and also sell their products not just in Europe but also outside of Europe and the search layer, I would say it's the to align the regulation with support.
So for me, clear regulatory framework such as the EFCAS rules giving the transition toward cleaner technology set the direction so a frame is needed.
And when this let's say is part with targeted funding, they give companies the confidence to push into real technology technological pioneering. So this is important for companies investing money that of course at the end of the day all the innovations will be also applied. So in short, simpler funding, stronger collaboration and well aligned regulation can turn bold ideas into sustainable solution. Europe needs next Very valid points.
[00:24:10] Speaker A: We are reaching the end of our discussion and I would like to ask you just in order to close this episode in a positive note, what makes you personally proud to contribute to this project?
[00:24:23] Speaker B: Oh, thank you for this question. So personally contributing to the live blue 420kW GS project fills me with immense pride actually, because it represents a impactful step toward a sustainable future.
And so being a part to make the world better place makes me really proud knowing that our work, technical innovation work, directly addresses one of the most potent greenhouse gases, SF6 and replace it with natural origin gases that have zero global warming potential is profoundly rewarding. So I'm very proud to be part of a collaborative multinational consortium that brings together manufacturers, grid operators and also researchers, all united by a shared vision of innovation and environmental stewardship. So the project's commitments to rigorous testing real world pilot installation in Belgium to power the capital of Europe actually, and adherence to the highest international standards is really excellent and shows also the responsibility.
So moreover, also this project is not just about technology, it's about legacy. It's about setting a blueprint for future generation, enabling the replication of SM63 solutions across Europe and globally, and contributing to the OS net zero targets and ambitions.
So it is really great. So in essence, live blue 420 kilowatt GS is actually more than a project, it's a beacon of hope and a testament to what we can achieve when innovation meets purpose.
So let's keep pushing the boundaries and powering a cleaner, greener energy tomorrow.
[00:26:28] Speaker A: Excellent. On that very positive note, I want to thank you Mark for this conversation.
[00:26:33] Speaker B: Thank you very much.
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Amaretti Daradimo thank you for joining.
