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Navigating a sustainable future for substations with the EconiQ® roadmap

By Branimir Radisavljevic and Valeria Teppati
05-02-2025 | 6 min read

New roadmap for future EconiQ solutions

The new EconiQ roadmap is more than a vision – it’s a strategy with real milestones achieved, real technology that makes a real impact. Ready to be energized?

Welcome to the Power Pulse podcast blog series, where we delve into the exciting world of energy.

The Power Pulse podcast's new season features the brightest minds in the industry as they examine the challenges, opportunities, innovations, breakthroughs, and sometimes serendipities that have played a part in advancing the development of the power grid. Hear them demystify the fascinating workings behind one of the most impressive engineering feats of the modern era - the electricity grid. Plug in! We promise an electrifying experience with every new episode.

Navigating a sustainable future for substations with the EconiQ roadmap

In a world where sustainability is no longer optional but necessary, the transition to eco-efficient technologies has taken center stage. One of the most significant developments in this space is Hitachi Energy's EconiQ® roadmap, a revolutionary action plan for eco-efficient switchgear technology. This blog delves into the journey of the EconiQ roadmap, its implications, and its future in the global energy sector. 

Every second counts in the fight against climate change

For decades, sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) has been the industry standard in gas circuit breakers due to its excellent arc-quenching capabilities. However, its severe environmental impact – boasting a global warming potential (GWP) 24,300 times higher than CO2 – has driven the search for sustainable alternatives. 

Recognizing this urgent need, researchers and engineers at Hitachi Energy embarked on an extensive R&D journey to identify a solution that could match SF6 in performance while eliminating its environmental drawbacks. After evaluating numerous gases and technologies, the effort culminated in the creation of EconiQ - an entirely SF6-free solution designed to deliver the same reliability, efficiency and safety, without compromising the planet's future. 

The EconiQ high-voltage roadmap was unveiled in conjunction with CIGRE Session 2021. It outlined an extensive portfolio of switchgear and breakers at various voltage levels in the R&D pipeline. This included live tank circuit breakers (LTB), dead tank circuit breakers (DTB), hybrid switchgear and gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) in the most common voltage levels, and a retrofill solution for gas-insulated lines (GIL).

SF₆ remains in the atmosphere for more than 1000 years, making its replacement a critical environmental priority. The urgency of this transition cannot be overstated.

Every year without an SF6-free alternative increases the long-term burden. The shift to EconiQ switchgear is not just a technological advancement but a crucial step in global climate action.

The strategic rollout of the EconiQ roadmap

The EconiQ high-voltage roadmap was carefully structured, beginning with the development of a 420 kV eco-efficient GIS featuring a 63 kA short-circuit current rating - the world's first commercial SF6-free alternative for the transmission network. The 420 kV circuit breaker was chosen as a foundational step, as it enabled a broad range of EconiQ switchgear applications in the voltage segment which needs the largest quantity of SF6 .

This breakthrough set the stage for subsequent achievements outlined in the roadmap, including the launch of the world's first 420 kV DTB and the pioneering 550 kV circuit breaker, further reinforcing the industry's shift towards sustainable switchgear solutions.

Revolutionary milestones in our EconiQ journey

Expanding possibilities with a living roadmap

One of the key strengths of the EconiQ high-voltage roadmap is its dependability. But unlike static plans, it continuously adds ratings in response to industry trends and customer feedback. While the EconiQ roadmap undergoes an official annual review - where updates are shared with customers and utilities around the world – it is also constantly assessed and refined internally based on emerging trends, technological advancements, and market dynamics. This dynamic approach reflects Hitachi Energy's commitment to continuous collaborative innovation and ensures that it remains relevant, forward-thinking, and aligned with the industry's evolving needs.

The latest update introduces higher ratings such as:

  • 800 kV GIS with 63 kA short-circuit current rating
    A major leap in switchgear capabilities.
  • 80 kA short-circuit current ratings across multiple 420 kV product lines
    This includes DTBs, GIS, and LTBs.
EconiQ eco-efficient high voltage portfolio roadmap

The new EconiQ roadmap includes an 800 kV extra-high-voltage circuit breaker, 420 kV equipment with higher 80 kA short-circuit current ratings, and a timeline that extends beyond 2028.

Addressing market needs for 800 kV solutions

Historically, 800 kV was considered a niche requirement. However, recent trends indicate a growing demand for 800 kV switchgear, particularly in the United States. This demand stems from the need for higher energy transmission efficiency and the increasing power requirements of data centers and AI-driven industries.

Achieving an 800 kV solution is not a minor feat. It requires significant R&D investment, as existing technologies and equipment must be fundamentally reengineered. With this expansion, Hitachi Energy positions itself as a leader in ultra-high-voltage switchgear, catering to the evolving needs of large-scale energy transmission.

The increasing need for higher short-circuit ratings

Earlier predictions suggested that the rise of renewable energy sources would lead to lower short-circuit currents due to grid decentralization. However, recent observations contradict these predictions. In many regions, including North America and Central Europe, grids are becoming denser and more interconnected. The growing presence of parallel transmission lines and meshed networks reduces impedance, thereby increasing fault current.

As a result, utilities now require higher short-circuit ratings to maintain grid stability, reinforcing the importance of EconiQ's high-performance solutions.

Collaboration: the driving force behind the EconiQ roadmap

The development and implementation of the EconiQ roadmap are not the result of isolated efforts. It is a collaborative endeavor involving customers, utilities, researchers, engineers, and product managers. This synergy ensures that the roadmap aligns with real-world needs while maintaining technological excellence.

Hitachi Energy prioritized the 420 kV segment early on which enabled a smoother expansion to other – both higher and lower – voltage levels. This decision, rooted in technological expertise and market insight, ensured scalability while maintaining performance and reliability. Customer feedback played a crucial role in refining the roadmap, ensuring real-world feasibility. Meanwhile, product and portfolio management teams worked closely with R&D to strike the right balance between customer needs, technological capabilities, and operational efficiency.

Every update to the roadmap strengthens Hitachi Energy's commitment to deliver on promises, adhere to timelines, and anticipate market shifts.

A sustainable future: EconiQ's role in the global energy transition

The EconiQ roadmap is a technological and product development plan; but more than that, it is also a commitment to sustainability. By eliminating SF6, improving transmission efficiency, and adapting to emerging grid requirements, EconiQ solutions play a crucial role in the global energy transition.

Hitachi Energy's vision for its EconiQ high-voltage portfolio extends beyond meeting regulatory requirements. It is about proactively driving change, reducing carbon footprint, and ensuring that the electrical industry remains aligned with climate goals and reliability commitments. The roadmap is a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets dedication and environmental responsibility.

The EconiQ roadmap embodies the future of high-voltage switchgear. Through continuous innovation, strategic foresight, and collaboration, Hitachi Energy is setting new standards in the industry. The transition away from SF6 is not just a technological shift – it is an urgent necessity. With each new development in the roadmap, the company moves closer to a world where sustainable switchgear solutions power our industries, cities, and communities.

As the roadmap evolves, so does the impact it creates. Every step forward in EconiQ is a step towards a more sustainable energy future. And that future starts now.

Connect with our experts to discuss how Hitachi Energy can support your high-voltage needs.


Branimir Radisavljevic and Valeria Teppati
Global Technology Manager and Principal Development Engineer

Branimir Radisavljevic is Global Technology Manager for Interrupters at Hitachi Energy. 

He has a doctorate in nanotechnology from the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne university in Switzerland. 

Branimir has a very curious and detail-oriented mind with a knack for finding innovative solutions. He thrives in an environment filled with brilliant and passionate people, driven to create impactful outcomes. 

Valeria Teppati is a Principal Development Engineer at Hitachi Energy's Technology Center in Zurich, Switzerland. 

She has a doctorate in electronic engineering from the Politecnico di Torino university in Italy. 

Valeria is a natural problem-solver who loves cracking technical puzzles and a true all-rounder, balancing structure with curiosity and fun, especially when she's deep in a challenge at work.