Siemens drives sustainable and future-proof power distribution across Norway

• Equips Norwegian grid operator Norgesnett with medium-voltage switchgear and compact substations for sustainable, reliable, and affordable transformation of national grid
• Norgesnett adopts SF6-free switchgear, saving approximately 1,200 tonnes of CO₂ compared to SF6-gas switchgear over product lifetime
• Siemens’ switchgear utilizes climate-neutral insulating medium “Clean Airâ€� consisting exclusively of components of ambient air, propelling Norgesnett toward its sustainability goals  

Siemens Smart Infrastructure has signed a six-year framework agreement with Norgesnett to deliver SF6 gas-free switchgear in the form of the 8DJH 24 – blue GIS switchgear, alongside compact substations. 

Known as Norway’s most efficient grid operator, Norgesnett is a distribution utility operating across seven municipalities in south-eastern Norway, serving 102,000 end customers. Demonstrating clear commitment from the board down to its ambitious sustainability targets, Norgesnett has made the decision that SF6-free switchgear from Siemens is to be deployed across its grid.

“Siemens technology is at the forefront of sustainable energy distribution. This agreement with Norgesnett signifies a crucial step forward as we work together to implement SF6-free switchgear solutions across national grids,� says Stephan May, CEO of Electrification and Automation at Siemens Smart Infrastructure. “By leveraging Siemens’ innovative blue GIS portfolio, powered by Clean Air insulation technology, we are driving forward sustainable power distribution in Norway. This collaboration demonstrates our shared dedication to environmental stewardship and reinforces our role in providing future-proof solutions for the energy sector.“

The 8DJH 24 – blue GIS switchgear is a core component of Siemens’ sustainable and innovative blue GIS portfolio, designed to help electrical grids transition to eco-friendly networks. The switchgear uses Clean Air, based on natural-origin gases, is free of fluorinated and PFAS gases, and has a global warming potential (GWP) below 1. By combining Clean Air for insulation with Siemens’ proven vacuum-interrupter technology, blue GIS switchgear helps customers to reduce their carbon footprint.

“The framework agreement with Siemens gives us predictable access to critically important materials and equipment, which will boost our environmental and sustainability efforts,� says Vidar Kristoffersen, CEO of Norgesnett. �We are proud to be the first company in Norway to only use SF6-free switchgear across our grid, thanks to this framework agreement with Siemens, a company known for its long and successful history of developing environmentally friendly solutions.�

SF6, or sulphur hexafluoride, is a synthetic gas that does not occur naturally in the atmosphere. This gas has traditionally been used as an insulating and current-interrupting medium in medium-voltage switchgear and installations but has a global warming potential which is 24,300 times higher than that of CO₂, when viewed from a 100-year perspective. By adopting the SF6-free solution from Siemens, Norgesnett will save approximately 1,200 tonnes of CO₂ compared to SF6-gas switchgear over the lifetime of the product. The proliferation by Siemens of sustainable switchgear is driving a successful energy transformation, with Clean Air as the key to sustainable and reliable grids.

For more information, please see: www.siemens.com/bluegis
For more information on Siemens Smart Infrastructure, please see: Siemens Smart Infrastructure

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Siemens Smart Infrastructure (SI) is shaping the market for intelligent, adaptive infrastructure for today and the future. It addresses the pressing challenges of urbanization and climate change by connecting energy systems, buildings, and industries. SI provides customers with a comprehensive end-to-end portfolio from a single source – with products, systems, solutions, and services from the point of power generation all the way to consumption. With an increasingly digitalized ecosystem, it helps customers thrive and communities progress while contributing toward protecting the planet. Siemens Smart Infrastructure has its global headquarters in Zug, Switzerland. As of September 30, 2023, the business had around 75,000 employees worldwide.

Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare. From more resource-efficient factories, resilient supply chains, and smarter buildings and grids, to cleaner and more comfortable transportation as well as advanced healthcare, the company creates technology with purpose adding real value for customers. By combining the real and the digital worlds, Siemens empowers its customers to transform their industries and markets, helping them to transform the everyday for billions of people. Siemens also owns a majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, a globally leading medical technology provider shaping the future of healthcare.

In fiscal 2023, which ended on September 30, 2023, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €77.8 billion and net income of €8.5 billion. As of September 30, 2023, the company employed around 320,000 people worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.