Hydro One and Wesco Order 245 kV SF6-free EconiQ Breakers

Hydro One and Wesco ordered the new 245 kV EconiQ dead-tank breaker in North America. The 245 kV breakers are intended to modernize Hydro One's Ontario transmission infrastructure, reduce environmental impacts, strengthen grid resilience and prepare for future growth across the province.

Hitachi Energy announced additions to its SF6-free high-voltage EconiQ portfolio to support grid modernization and decarbonization goals. EconiQ is Hitachi Energy's portfolio of SF6-free high-voltage solutions. The expanded portfolio was presented at CIGRE 2026 in Paris.

The latest solutions include a 300 kV EconiQ breaker available as gas-insulated switchgear or as a 245 kV dead-tank breaker. The additions also include an EconiQ live-tank breaker rated at 420 kV and 80 kA.

In Europe, TenneT Germany ordered the new 420 kV, 80 kA EconiQ live-tank breaker after a successful installation in Oberhaid.

Customers in 40 countries have ordered more than 4,000 EconiQ units. Global demand is increasing for SF6-free technologies that modernize power grids without compromising reliability.

Markus Heimbach said the decisions utilities make today about their substation equipment will continue influencing grid emissions in 2060.

SF6 has a global warming potential approximately 24,300 times greater than CO2. In Colombia, net SF6 emissions in 2021 represented 0.07% of national emissions, equivalent to approximately 199.07 kt of CO2e.