GE Vernova launches 170 kV SF₆-free GIS for transmission grids
GE Vernova Inc. has launched a 170 kV sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)-free gas-insulated switchgear (GIS), expanding its GRiDEA portfolio of technologies aimed at reducing the carbon emission impact of high-voltage electricity infrastructure. The F35g 170 kV GIS was launched at CIGRE Paris 2026.
The launch comes a decade after GE Vernova introduced its first product using g³ technology as an alternative to SF₆. SF₆ has been widely used in high-voltage electrical equipment because of its strong insulating properties, but it is also a potent greenhouse gas.
GIS is used in substations to control and protect high-voltage electricity flows. Its compact design makes it particularly suitable for locations where space is constrained, including urban substations.
SF₆-free range
The F35g 170 kV GIS is designed to provide the performance, reliability and compact footprint associated with conventional high-voltage GIS without using SF₆. With the new product, GE Vernova’s SF₆-free GIS portfolio for transmission grids now covers 72.5 kV, 145 kV, 170 kV, 245 kV and 420 kV voltage levels.
“Over the past decade, the challenge has evolved from simply finding an alternative insulating gas to designing high-voltage equipment that can help customers reduce carbon emission impact across the life cycle of their infrastructure without compromising performance,” said Yannick Kieffel, Power Transmission Chief Technology Officer, GE Vernova. “The F35g 170 kV is the latest step in that journey, giving customers another option as they move away from SF₆ while continuing to build the reliable and compact transmission networks they need.”
Since the first g³ product was introduced in 2016, GE Vernova has expanded the technology across its high-voltage portfolio. The F35g 170 kV extends the technology to another widely used transmission voltage range and is intended for utilities seeking to reduce their reliance on fluorinated greenhouse gases.
Digital capabilities
The F35g 170 kV is digital-native and integrates monitoring and digital capabilities intended to provide operators with greater visibility into equipment condition and performance. The product is designed to meet both International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) requirements, supporting deployment across different electricity markets.
GE Vernova also uses Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) as part of its product development approach to evaluate carbon emissions across raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, use and end-of-life stages. The assessments are intended to identify opportunities to reduce global warming impact beyond the insulating gas itself.
Development of the F35g 170 kV GIS has been partially supported through France 2030, operated by ADEME, for the development and industrialisation of technologies intended to contribute to France’s transition towards lower-carbon infrastructure.
The GIS will be manufactured by GE Vernova in Europe and is available for order following its launch at CIGRE Paris 2026.
The F35g 170 kV is part of GE Vernova’s GRiDEA portfolio, which includes technologies focused on reducing the carbon footprint of electrical equipment while maintaining the reliability and performance required for critical grid infrastructure.
Photo credit: GE Vernova
