GE Vernova to Deliver Two SF₆-Free Substations for Berlin
GE Vernova has secured two contracts from Stromnetz Berlin to design, supply and install new 110 kV gas-insulated substations in the Wittenau and Neukölln districts of Berlin, supporting the modernization of the German capital's electricity network.
The projects will use SF₆-free, g³ technology, replacing sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), a greenhouse gas traditionally used in high-voltage switchgear. According to the company, the insulating medium reduces the global warming potential of the equipment by around 99% compared with conventional SF₆-based technology while maintaining a compact footprint suitable for dense urban environments.
The substations will serve as key nodes within Berlin's high-voltage network, helping supply electricity to local substations serving homes, businesses and public infrastructure.
Commenting on the award, Frank Ennenbach, Central Europe Regional Leader for GE Vernova's Grid Systems Integration business, said: "Europe's electrical grids need proven technologies that support reliability, sustainability and speed of deployment." He added that the projects demonstrate the role of scalable SF₆-free solutions in modern urban grid infrastructure.
Elena Brauns, responsible for resources and environment at Stromnetz Berlin, said: "With the Wittenau and Neukölln grid nodes, we are investing in infrastructure that supports Berlin's security of supply and climate goals."
The Wittenau project is scheduled to run until March 2031, while the Neukölln substation is expected to be completed in January 2032. Financial terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
Source: gevernova.com
