HIGH VOLTAGE GRID Critical gas for sustainable high-voltage grids now made in Germany

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Hitachi Energy and Daikin Industries, Ltd. has announced an agreement to establish a long-term strategic supply relationship for Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ portfolio of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)-free high-voltage technologies. As part of the agreement, Daikin Chemical Europe GmbH, a subsidiary of Daikin Industries, Ltd., will supply C4-FN, a specialty gas component used in insulating gas mixtures.

The C4-FN will be produced by Daikin Refrigerants Frankfurt GmbH at its facility in Frankfurt, Germany, leveraging advanced manufacturing capabilities, high quality, and environmental standards. The new production capacity will become available in 2027 and is part of a resilient global supply strategy for critical materials used in Hitachi Energy’s SF₆-free EconiQ technology.

SF₆, a strong greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 24,300 times greater than CO2, is commonly used in high-voltage equipment for its superior insulation and switching properties. Utilizing C4-FN gas, the EconiQ portfolio reduces CO2-equivalent emissions by 99 percent compared with conventional SF₆-insulated equipment, while retaining the same technical performance, reliability, and compactness.

The announcement comes as demand for EconiQ continues to grow worldwide. The portfolio has attracted more than 4,000 orders across 40 countries, as utilities and industries expand and modernize their power grids while eager to reduce the environmental impact of their infrastructure.

To support this growth, Hitachi Energy is pursuing a multi-sourcing strategy for key materials. The addition of Daikin as a supplier strengthens the supply chain behind the EconiQ portfolio, complementing existing qualified sources in Asia with capacity in Europe.

POWER GRID

Hitachi Energy helps customers accelerate SF6-free grid modernization

"As the demand for eco-efficient equipment continues to grow around the world, strengthening our supply chain is essential. Adding a world-class production site in Germany enhances supply resilience and supports the manufacturing of clean energy technologies in Europe. We want to be sure that we can continue meeting customer demand.” said Markus Heimbach, CEO of High Voltage Products Business Unit at Hitachi Energy.

“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting the energy transition through innovation, quality, and long-term collaboration. We are proud that our group company, Daikin Refrigerants Frankfurt GmbH, will produce an essential component of the global value chain for power grids.", commented Yasuhisa Hirao, General Manager for Chemicals Division at Daikin Industries, Ltd.

Daikin brings nearly a century of experience in chemical manufacturing, a global network spanning Asia, North America, and Europe, and long-standing sustainability commitments under its Environmental Vision 2050, including targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction certified by the Science Based Targets initiative.

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