• Next-generation F35g 170 kV GIS closes the gap in GE Vernova’s SF₆-free transmission portfolio
• Milestone launch coincides with 10-year anniversary of GE Vernova’s pioneering g³ technology deployment
• Produced in Europe, the new switchgear is now available following its debut at CIGRE Paris 2026

PARIS, France, (August 26, 2026) – GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE: GEV) unveiled its latest SF₆-free 170 kV gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) at CIGRE Paris 2026, broadening its GRiDEA^TM suite of sustainable power transmission solutions aimed at minimizing the carbon footprint of high-voltage grid infrastructure.

This launch commemorates a decade since GE Vernova first introduced equipment powered by g³ (green gas for grid) technology—an eco-conscious substitute for sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆). While SF₆ has long been favored in high-voltage systems for its excellent dielectric strength, it is also recognized as one of the most impactful greenhouse gases.

GIS systems are essential components in electrical substations, enabling secure management and protection of high-voltage power flows. Their space-efficient design makes them ideal for densely populated areas and installations where physical footprint is a constraint.

The F35g 170 kV GIS delivers the same high performance, durability, and compactness as traditional SF₆-based systems, but operates without any SF₆. With this release, GE Vernova now offers a complete line of SF₆-free GIS solutions for transmission networks, covering voltage levels of 72.5 kV, 145 kV, 170 kV, 245 kV, and 420 kV.

“The past ten years have shifted the focus from merely replacing SF₆ to engineering high-voltage assets that support lifecycle carbon reduction without sacrificing operational excellence,” noted Yannick Kieffel, Power Transmission Chief Technology Officer at GE Vernova. “The F35g 170 kV represents a key evolution in that mission, offering utilities a proven, sustainable alternative as they modernize transmission systems with reliability and compact design in mind.”

Ten years of g³ innovation

Since launching the first g³-enabled product in 2016, GE Vernova has steadily integrated the technology across its high-voltage product range. The 170 kV F35g GIS extends this progress into a commonly deployed transmission voltage class, aiding utilities in their efforts to phase out fluorinated greenhouse gases.

The F35g 170 kV is built with digital integration at its core, featuring embedded monitoring and smart diagnostics to enhance operational insight and asset management. The design complies with both IEC and IEEE standards, ensuring global compatibility and deployment flexibility.

As part of its sustainability-driven development process, GE Vernova conducts comprehensive Life Cycle Assessments (LCAs) to measure emissions from raw material sourcing through manufacturing, transport, operation, and decommissioning. These evaluations help pinpoint opportunities to reduce environmental impact beyond just the insulating medium.

The development of the F35g 170 kV GIS received partial funding through France 2030, a national initiative managed by ADEME, which promotes innovation and industrial scaling of low-carbon technologies aligned with France’s energy transition goals.

Manufactured in GE Vernova’s European facilities, the new GIS is now open for customer orders following its official unveiling at CIGRE Paris 2026.

The F35g 170 kV is a key component of GE Vernova’s GRiDEA^TM portfolio, which unifies technologies engineered to lower greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining the robustness and efficiency demanded by modern grid infrastructure.

Attendees at CIGRE Paris 2026, running from August 23 to 28, can explore the F35g 170 kV and GE Vernova’s full SF₆-free offerings at Stand C93.

Source