Accelerating a sustainable, affordable, and reliable grid by developing and co-creating transformer bushing innovations at CWIEME 2026
Features | 21.05.2026 | 2 min read
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Tap-changers, bushings, insulation material and accessories are at the core of every transformer and the entire grid. The interaction of the different elements brings the transformer to life, ensuring a reliable and safe operation. As transformer insulation and components are key elements for the energy transition and electrification of the power infrastructure, Hitachi Energy continuously works on innovative and sustainable solutions.
At CWIEME 2026 Berlin, the world’s leading event for coil winding, insulation, and electrical manufacturing, Hitachi Energy launched two bushing innovations designed to address increasing operational challenges and advance the sustainability goals of transformer manufacturers and grid owners and operators:
- AirRIP® Flex Cable Termination Bushing (CTB), that enables a dry high-voltage cable end termination – co-created by Hitachi Energy and Prysmian to address the evolving demands of modern high voltage (HV) cable networks.
- The AirRIP Flex AF 800 kilovolt (kV), a dry-type transformer bushing now designed for higher voltage level (up to 800 kV) transformers with alternative fluids.
Adapting to the modern grid with AirRIP Flex CTB
AirRIP Flex Cable Termination Bushing (CTB) is a fully dry, plug-in outdoor bushing for cable-end terminations, which provides safer, cleaner, and more reliable high-voltage connections. The solution unites Hitachi Energy’s field-proven Resin Impregnated Paper (RIP) dry bushing platform and Prysmian’s leadership in high-voltage cable systems to co-create Prysmian’s new HV dry-type cable termination.
As high-voltage cable installations grow in scale and strategic importance, traditional technologies that rely on oil-filled or gas-insulated designs have become increasingly incompatible with modern grid expectations. Though these are well-established technologies, they present operational and environmental challenges such as leakage, fire risks, and contamination.
AirRIP Flex CTB eliminates oil and SF6, reduces installation sensitivity, and provides stable long-term performance.
Meeting demands for cleaner, safer energy with AirRIP Flex AF 800 kV
Utilities and developers are now demanding solutions that reduce emissions increasingly impacting our planet. The groundbreaking AirRIP Flex 800-AF bushing is a dry-type bushing, which has been successfully tested on a natural ester-filled 765 kV transformer.
The AirRIP Flex AF dry transformer bushing platform, enabled for the use of vegetables-based transformer fluids, combines our pioneering bushing technologies with superior fire resistance and high-temperature stability.
With the enhancement of our AirRIP Flex AF portfolio to include ultrahigh-voltage AC, Hitachi Energy can now offer and cover the global market demand for alternative fluids in AC applications.
Best-in-class solution
By extending the portfolio of our trusted AirRIP Flex product family, Hitachi Energy has significantly reduced the value chain complexity for transformer manufacturers and operators. AirRIP Flex enables sustainable transformer designs with exceptional robustness and superior operational safety, establishing a best-in-class solution for manufacturers and operators focused on long term sustainability.
These latest additions to the AirRIP Flex portfolio strengthen Hitachi Energy’s ability to meet growing electricity demand while advancing energy security, affordability, and sustainability.
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