Hitachi Energy launches SealiQ™ to help utilities reduce emissions while maintaining grid reliability

The world's electricity networks are under increasing pressure. As energy demand rises, infrastructure ages, and countries pursue decarbonization targets, utilities must balance two equally important responsibilities: delivering reliable power today while building a more sustainable energy system for tomorrow. Meeting this challenge will depend not only on building the infrastructure of the future, but also on maximizing the value and sustainability of the infrastructure already in operation. Across the world, utilities rely on decades of installed assets that continue to play a critical role in powering communities, hospitals, industries, transportation, and data centers.

As part of the energy transition, utilities are increasingly seeking ways to reduce sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) emissions from power infrastructure. While SF₆ has been safely and reliably operating in high-voltage equipment for decades, its high global warming potential has made emissions reduction a growing priority for utilities worldwide. 

Hitachi Energy has been supporting this journey through its EconiQ® portfolio. EconiQ technology enables utilities to move beyond SF₆ in new equipment through eco-efficient insulation and switching solutions, while EconiQ retrofill helps customers replace SF₆ in existing infrastructure. With the launch of SealiQ™, Hitachi Energy is further expanding its sustainability portfolio by helping customers address SF₆ leaks from installed assets where immediate replacement or retrofit may not yet be feasible.

Addressing SF₆ leakage can be complex, particularly when permanent repairs require extensive planning, outage windows, or equipment replacement. SealiQ is an innovative external sealing solution that contains SF₆ leaks at the flange without requiring the gas compartment to be opened or modified. By minimizing operational disruption and maintaining equipment availability, it enables utilities to reduce emissions today while planning longer-term modernization strategies. At the same time, it helps utilities meet evolving environmental regulations and international leakage requirements, supporting both compliance and sustainability objectives

The launch follows the successful first deployment of SealiQ in the United Kingdom, where Hitachi Energy collaborated with National Grid to pilot the solution on installed high-voltage equipment. The project reflects a shared commitment to reducing emissions from existing infrastructure while safeguarding the reliability of the critical power networks that communities, businesses, and public services rely on every day.

The successful deployment of SealiQ with National Grid demonstrates how innovative partnerships can help address some of the energy sector's most pressing challenges. While investment in new technologies remains essential, meaningful progress also depends on improving the sustainability and performance of existing infrastructure. By helping customers reduce SF₆ emissions, maintain asset availability, and extend equipment life, SealiQ enables utilities to unlock greater value from their installed base while supporting more reliable and resilient power systems. Complementing Hitachi Energy's EconiQ® portfolio, SealiQ extends a comprehensive approach to sustainability across the asset lifecycle, helping customers reduce emissions today while advancing the transition to more sustainable grids.