Industry Partners Series: SF6-free switchgear for Australia’s grid

Australia's energy infrastructure is at a critical point. The sector must meet ambitious net zero commitments while maintaining reliability across some of the world's harshest operating environments. As global momentum builds toward phasing out SF6, a greenhouse gas 24,300 times more potent than CO₂, utilities, data centres and infrastructure operators are navigating how to transition to sustainable technologies without compromising safety or performance.

This webinar brings together local technology specialists and industry leaders from the transport and utilities sectors to explore how dry air insulation technology is already supporting Australia's energy transition. The session will examine how organisations can future proof assets against evolving environmental regulation and stranded asset risk across 30 plus year lifecycles.

Participants will hear how modern switchgear solutions with zero Global Warming Potential are performing reliably in extreme Australian conditions, from remote networks to demanding industrial applications. The discussion will cover how sealed for life designs and compatibility with existing infrastructure allow organisations to align long term investments with ESG targets and state based net zero goals while maintaining operational performance.

Through real world examples, the panel will share how Australian organisations are voluntarily leading sustainability initiatives while continuing to deliver the reliability their customers and communities expect.

Join this session to explore practical pathways for transitioning to sustainable switchgear technology, understand the business case for early adoption, and learn how peers across the sector are balancing environmental responsibility with operational demands. Whether you are planning new infrastructure or assessing retrofit opportunities, this webinar will provide insights to support confident, future ready decisions.

Key messages

• Dry air insulation technology with Global Warming Potential of zero removes the risk of releasing highly potent greenhouse gases such as SF6 which is 24,300 times more damaging than CO₂ while supporting proactive sustainability leadership.
• Modern sustainable switchgear solutions are demonstrating proven safety and reliability in harsh operating conditions, showing that environmental responsibility can be achieved without increasing operational risk or compromising performance.
• Compatibility with existing infrastructure enables organisations to implement sustainable upgrades today while supporting long asset lifecycles and preparing for potential future Australian environmental regulation.

Who should attend?

This session is designed for engineers and decision makers across utilities, data centres and industrial sectors who are focused on reliable and sustainable infrastructure. It will be valuable for C‑suite leaders along with engineering, operations and maintenance professionals who are planning new assets or reviewing upgrade pathways. Anyone involved in energy systems, electrical infrastructure or long term asset performance will gain practical insights that support stronger environmental and operational outcomes.

You do not need to be an Engineers Australia member to attend.