Novel dry air switchgear technology to reduce industry’s dependence on SF6

Project Information

Nuventura

Grant agreement ID: 190181312

DOI

10.3030/190181312

Project closed

EC signature date 1 November 2022

Start date 1 November 2022

End date 31 October 2025

Funded under

• The European Innovation Council (EIC)

Total cost

€ 3 543 125,00

EU contribution

€ 2 480 187,50

Coordinated by

NUVENTURA GMBH
Germany

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - Nuventura (Novel dry air switchgear technology to reduce industry’s dependence on SF6)

Reporting period: 2024-08-01 to 2025-10-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The objective of this project was to advance Nuventura’s SF₆-free gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) technology towards market readiness by addressing key technical, industrial, and market barriers that currently limit the deployment of environmentally friendly medium-voltage grid equipment. SF₆ is a highly potent greenhouse gas widely used in electrical switchgear, and its replacement is a critical enabler for decarbonising electricity distribution networks.

Building on Nuventura’s existing product nu1, which demonstrated the feasibility of SF₆-free GIS for specific applications, the project focused on the development of a utility-grade GIS platform (nu2) designed to meet standard utility requirements in terms of voltage level, short-circuit performance, architecture, and operational robustness. The project combined technical development and validation activities with systematic market engagement, pilot preparation, and strategic refinement to ensure that the developed technology aligns with real-world utility needs and certification pathways.

Throughout the project, technical development (WP1), market validation and pilot preparation (WP2), and professional project management (WP3) were closely interlinked. Technical design choices were continuously informed by feedback from utilities, partners, and testing bodies, while market and pilot strategies were adjusted based on the practical constraints of type testing, qualification processes, and industrial readiness. As a result, the project evolved from an initially broad, global market ambition towards a focused, Europe-first commercialisation strategy, fully aligned with the approved project amendments.

Overall, the project has transformed the nu2 concept into a near-market, utility-grade SF₆-free GIS solution with a clearly defined technical roadmap, certification strategy, and exploitation pathway. In parallel, it has strengthened Nuventura’s product portfolio, expanded the addressable market, and reduced key technical and commercial risks, thereby laying the foundation for subsequent scale-up and market entry.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

As defined in the project plan, we initiated the project by conceptualizing the product and developing detailed designs. In parallel, we focused on strengthening our existing supplier base and identifying new suppliers capable of translating these designs into physical prototypes. Once suitable suppliers were identified and technical alignments were established, orders were placed for the components required to build the engineering prototypes.

Following the arrival of components, the assembly phase began. During this phase, the design was critically evaluated for potential shortcomings, and several improvements were identified. These design enhancements, as detailed in the respective project deliverables, were subsequently incorporated into both the design and assembly processes, which in some cases required additional procurement of components.

After completing the engineering prototype, we initiated the evaluation of two key functional elements of the switchgear: the three-position switch mechanism and the vacuum circuit breaker operation. To support this, we established in-house testing capabilities and carried out functional and mechanical internal tests to validate design performance and operational reliability.

While continuous improvements were ongoing, the prototype was showcased at the Hannover Messe Exhibition, demonstrating the progress achieved and highlighting the technical potential of the product.

Following the Hannover Messe, we continued with further design refinements, modifications, improvements and in-house verification activities, focusing on mechanical functionality and overall design workability. In addition, internal electrical development testing was conducted, including dielectric tests and temperature rise tests and external development tests and external third party type test for dielectric and short time withstand current tests, to further validate the design.

As a next step, we will continue with product optimization and type testing activities as part of the overarching objective of industrializing the product. Unfortunately due to delay in obtaining the slots for the type tests we could not complete all of it. The major part is now scheduled in April 2026.

In parallel, we also designed and developed a 24 kV double busbar prototype, which is now ready for internal testing.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

Nuventura is positioned this product nu2 as premium product focused on the development of a utility-grade GIS platform (nu2) designed to meet standard utility requirements in terms of voltage level, short-circuit performance, architecture, and operational robustness and for its next phase of international expansion beyond Europe, focusing on new products under development through the EIC Accelerator program. Key markets for product-market fit have been identified other than Europe, and a market entry strategy has been created for 24 kV product variant and the double busbar configuration as a pragmatic and market-aligned first step, while maintaining the longer-term objective of qualifying nu2 up to 40.5 kV.

MV GIS (Core module with enlosure at HM 2024)

MV GIS (Core module with enclosure – 2 panles coupled