With benchmark dielectric properties, SF₆ comes with a severe climate impact: a GWP of ~23,500 kg CO₂ and an atmospheric lifetime of over 3,000 years.

For this reason, the European Union has decided to accelerate the transition toward alternative, environmentally friendly technologies, and EU Regulation 2024/573 stipulates that, starting January 2026, the use of SF₆ in new installations up to 24 kV will be banned. This change has major implications for businesses. Grid operators, developers, and industrial companies will be required to adopt sustainable technologies. Compliance with legislation becomes essential to protect investments, avoid risks, and remain competitive in a rapidly transforming market.

The transition to SF₆-free technologies is not just about compliance with European legislation, but also an opportunity to build safer, more efficient, and more sustainable electrical networks. Adhering to EU Regulation 2024/573 means future-proof investments that protect both companies and customers from risks generated by legislative changes.

In this context, Electroalfa International introduces three innovative, SF₆-Free solutions into its portfolio: a range of switchgear with air insulation and vacuum switching that can be easily integrated into any distribution network.

• ALFA BLUE ASNA-RMU: Using only natural air at atmospheric pressure for insulation, this technology is completely SF₆-free, requires no monitoring or recharging, and offers reduced maintenance with a lifespan of up to 40 years.
• ALFA GREEN AIR-INSULATED: developed as an SF-free solution, with a patented load break switch where arc extinction is performed through a vacuum tube, and insulation is provided by dry air. Designed for secondary distribution, it offers a robust, safe, and reliable alternative to traditional equipment.
• ALFA SM AIR-SET: manufactured by Electroalfa International under Schneider Electric license, using patented SVI (Shunt Vacuum Interruption) technology where arc extinction is achieved in vacuum and insulation is provided by pure air. This technology interrupts current without producing alternative gases or toxic by-products.

Together, these three solutions form a coherent, sustainable, and user-friendly offer, adapted to the current needs of medium-voltage networks.

Adopting these modern solutions genuinely supports ESG objectives and facilitates environmental reporting, contributing to reduced carbon footprints and increased credibility with investors and partners. At the same time, eliminating fluorinated gases adds operational safety, reducing risks associated with handling substances that are extremely harmful to the environment.

The transition to modern, SF₆-Free equipment is a strategic opportunity, not just a regulatory obligation. These new technologies provide long-term economic advantages through reduced maintenance costs and high reliability. Their flexible and scalable design ensures easy integration into any network, providing tangible benefits in legislative compliance, sustainability, safety, and economic efficiency.

The SF₆-Free switchgear range offered by Electroalfa International is highly adaptable, serving a wide range of essential applications. For urban and rural distribution networks, this technology provides compact, eco-friendly solutions that are ideal for operators seeking both efficiency and environmental protection. For industrial and critical infrastructure, from factories and hospitals to logistics centers, it ensures continuity where safety and reliability are vital.

For green commercial buildings, certified LEED or BREEAM, Electroalfa International solutions meet strict sustainability criteria, making them a natural choice. They also contribute to integrating renewable energy sources, facilitating the connection of solar and wind farms to electrical grids.

In the field of electric transport and e-mobility, these solutions support the development of charging stations for electric vehicles, as well as the operation of tram and metro networks. Moreover, they are designed for the digitalized future of energy: SCADA and IoT compatible, enabling smart grids and predictive maintenance, optimizing costs and ensuring long-term performance.

ALFA BLUE ASNA-RMU: SF₆-free technology using natural air for insulation. Reduced maintenance and no monitoring, with a lifespan of up to 40 years.

This medium-voltage switchgear uses natural air at atmospheric pressure for insulation, with no pressurized gases and no recharging or monitoring requirements, reducing the risk of greenhouse gas emissions to zero. The offer is based on a single functional unit adapted to fulfill most classic functions—from line with switch or circuit breaker to transformer with fuses—easily adapting to diverse network configurations. The range is modular and easily scalable. Its compact and sealed design minimizes downtime and ensures enhanced protection for both equipment and personnel.

Vacuum switching, along with the revolutionary insulation concept, ensures a lifespan of up to 40 years, with minimal maintenance, making it a solid, predictable long-term investment. The sealed design provides an effective barrier against external factors such as dust, salt, or condensation, maintaining clean and stable air inside. Performance is supported by patented single-phase insulation, designed to provide enhanced safety and advanced protection against short circuits. These features also allow a wide operating temperature range, starting from –40 °C. Safe operation is guaranteed even in urban areas or enclosed spaces, eliminating risks associated with SF₆ gas usage.

Top electrical performance includes a rated current of up to 1250 A / 12 kV and 630 A / 24 kV, short-circuit current of 20 kA, electrical endurance class E2, and mechanical endurance class M2. ALFA BLUE simplifies design and operation through functional versatility: a single unit can perform multiple roles (line, transformer, metering, coupler, etc.). These characteristics translate into reliable operation with minimal risks for both equipment and personnel, ideal for public medium-voltage distribution.

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ALFA GREEN AIR-INSULATED: A modular, air-insulated switchgear with vacuum switching and integrated monitoring.

The ALFA GREEN AIR-INSULATED is a solution based on an epoxy-resin load break switch with vacuum switching and dry air insulation, ensuring safe and durable operation. Its modular design and dimensions compatible with previous generations allow easy integration into substations where additional units are required. Technical performance is confirmed by top specifications: rated voltage 24 kV, rated current 630 A, free arc withstands 16 kA/1 s, IP3X protection, and IK07 mechanical strength. ALFA GREEN can be configured with manual or motorized operation, can be equipped with advanced protection relays, and includes integrated monitoring of pressure and temperature. All previously available functions (line, transformer, feeder, metering, and auxiliary services) remain accessible, making it a robust, safe, and reliable alternative to traditional equipment.

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ALFA SM AIR-SET: Air-insulated medium-voltage switchgear with modular and digital capabilities

ALFA SM AIR-SET is a modular medium-voltage switchgear insulated in pure air, SF₆-Free, for secondary distribution in commercial and industrial buildings, as well as distribution grids. It is easy to install and commission, with identical footprints and connection points as its predecessor, ensuring familiar operation. ALFA SM AIR-SET provides enhanced sustainability, higher efficiency, and improved safety.

Being a digitally connected switch gear, ALFA SM AIR-SET allows local control via smart devices, enabling staff to operate and monitor it without physical interaction. Built-in arc detection reduces equipment damage risks and increases onsite personnel safety.

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By launching ALFA BLUE ASNA-RMU, ALFA GREEN AIR-INSULATED, and SM AIR-SET, Electroalfa International delivers modern, safe, and sustainable solutions that meet both legislative requirements and ESG goals. These three complementary solutions eliminate dependency on SF₆ gas and provide network operators with reliable equipment, compliant with European regulations and adapted to the energy sector’s needs. Electroalfa International confirms its commitment to innovation and technological excellence, showing that advanced performance and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand, preparing energy infrastructures for a greener, safer future.

Discover more on: https://electroalfa.ro/products-services/sf6-free-en/