Schneider And E.ON Partner For SF6-Free Grid Upgrade

Schneider Electric has entered a landmark long-term framework agreement with E.ON, one of Europe’s leading energy companies, to accelerate the deployment of sustainable, SF₆-free medium-voltage switchgear technologies across the continent. The collaboration represents a significant stride towards modernizing Europe’s electrical grid infrastructure in alignment with upcoming EU climate regulations and broader environmental goals.

The partnership positions Schneider Electric to supply a substantial share of E.ON’s primary and secondary medium-voltage switchgear requirements, specifically through its advanced GM-AirSeT and RM-AirSeT switchgear portfolios. These next-generation systems are free from sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), a greenhouse gas that is nearly 24,300 times more potent than carbon dioxide and remains in the atmosphere for up to a millennium. The collaboration comes at a critical time as the European Union prepares to implement a ban on the use of SF₆ in new medium-voltage switchgear up to 24 kV beginning January 1, 2026, under the revised F-Gas Regulation.

This agreement builds on a partnership between Schneider Electric and E.ON that has spanned more than two decades. It reflects a shared commitment to environmental sustainability, grid resilience, and digital transformation. The two companies have already tested the capabilities of Schneider Electric’s SF₆-free technology in a successful pilot project at Westnetz, a key E.ON subsidiary. That project demonstrated the operational effectiveness and climate benefits of replacing traditional gas-insulated switchgear with more environmentally responsible alternatives.

Schneider Electric will leverage its European manufacturing capacity, particularly its industrial hubs in Regensburg, Germany, and the Duna Smart Factory in Hungary, to deliver the AirSeT switchgear systems. These centers are optimized for the production of sustainable electrical infrastructure and are integral to ensuring a reliable and localized supply chain for E.ON’s large-scale deployment needs. By sourcing equipment from within Europe, the agreement also enhances supply chain resilience, speeds up delivery timelines, and reduces the environmental footprint associated with long-distance transportation.

The strategic alignment between E.ON and Schneider Electric is further reinforced by their mutual focus on standardization and long-term grid modernization. By standardizing critical components across its German grid subsidiaries, E.ON aims to streamline implementation, reduce operational complexity, and scale adoption efficiently. This move is essential for enabling a cost-effective and uniform energy transition that meets the region’s growing electricity demands while keeping emissions in check.

According to Melton Chang, Executive Vice President of Power Systems at Schneider Electric, the agreement signifies more than just a supply deal; it marks a decisive move toward redefining Europe’s energy infrastructure. “This agreement with E.ON is a powerful example of accelerating the shift to more sustainable, digital energy infrastructure. By working with E.ON to deploy SF₆-free technologies, we’re not only helping satisfy new regulatory requirements — we’re shaping the future of electricity in Europe,” he stated.

Lisbeth Buschkühl, Chief Procurement Officer of E.ON SE, emphasized the importance of future-proof technologies in driving the green transformation. “In order to actively shape the green transformation in Germany, we are investing massively in a future-proof energy infrastructure. This long-term contract secures access to SF6-free technologies, supports standardization and enables a cost-efficient implementation of the energy transition,” she said.

The environmental implications of phasing out SF₆ are profound. Although traditionally used in the energy sector due to its exceptional insulation properties, SF₆’s long atmospheric lifetime and extreme global warming potential make it a top priority for replacement in the path toward decarbonization. Schneider Electric’s long-standing R&D investments have enabled the company to develop a broad and scalable portfolio of alternatives that maintain reliability and safety while eliminating the harmful environmental impacts.

Looking ahead, Schneider Electric plans to continue expanding its SF₆-free product offerings to accommodate diverse regional regulations and application-specific requirements. With climate regulations tightening and sustainability gaining traction across all sectors, the energy industry is under growing pressure to adopt innovative technologies that align with decarbonization targets. The Schneider–E.ON partnership thus serves as a blueprint for how utilities and technology providers can collaboratively lead this transition.

In an era defined by the need for resilient, digital-ready, and low-carbon energy systems, this collaboration is not only timely but transformative. By uniting their strengths, Schneider Electric and E.ON are helping to lay the groundwork for a more sustainable and efficient energy landscape across Europe—one that meets both current operational demands and future environmental responsibilities.