Hitachi ABB Power Grids and GE Renewable Energy’s Grid Solutions business have announced today a non-exclusive, cross-licensing agreement related to the use of an alternative gas to sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) used in high voltage equipment. This fluoronitrile-based gas mixture has a significantly lower impact on the environment.

The companies will share intellectual property related to their SF6-free solutions. This will help accelerate the use of fluoronitrile-based insulation and switching gas in high-voltage equipment as an alternative

They say it paves the way for a standard SF6-free solution for high-voltage equipment in the coming years. This would enable utilities and industries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, while using standardized services and auxiliary equipment.

The two companies will keep the product development, manufacturing, sales, marketing and service activities of their gas solutions fully independent. Each company will continue to independently grant and set terms of licenses to its respective intellectual property, preserving supplier base diversity.

Why it matters: The worst greenhouse gas: why the electricity industry has to grapple with SF6