Schneider Electric and BRPL Launch India’s First SF6‑Free Smart Grid Pilot

• Schneider Electric and BSES Rajdhani (BRPL) Partner to Deploy India’s First Sustainable Pure Air RMU Pilot Project

Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, has partnered with BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (BRPL) to deploy India’s first RM AirSeT 12kV Indoor Ring Main Unit (RMU) pilot integrated with T300 Field Remote Terminal Unit (FRTU), enabling a more sustainable, connected, and future-ready power distribution network. By eliminating the use of SF6 gas and replacing it with pure air insulation, the deployment enables an estimated reduction of nearly 75 tons of CO2 equivalent emissions during the capex phase alone, marking a significant step toward cleaner and environmentally responsible grid infrastructure.

As Delhi’s peak power demand is projected to cross 9,000 MW amid rising urbanisation and growing cooling requirements, utilities are increasingly focusing on smarter and more sustainable grid infrastructure to ensure reliable power supply and support future energy needs. BRPL has been evaluating innovative medium-voltage switchgear technologies that can reduce environmental impact while improving operational reliability and network visibility. Schneider Electric deployed its SF6-free RM AirSeT 12kV solution, designed using pure air technology as an alternative to conventional gas-insulated switchgear. The deployment was further integrated with Schneider Electric’s T300 FRTU, enabling remote monitoring and control through BRPL’s SCADA network.

Speaking on the development, Mr. Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India, MD & CEO, Schneider Electric India, said, “India’s power sector is entering a new phase of transformation where sustainability must become an integral part of every infrastructure decision. As the country works towards its energy transition goals, it is important that environmental considerations are embedded across the entire electricity value chain, including transmission and distribution networks. The shift towards cleaner technologies will be critical in building a power ecosystem that can support growing demand while advancing the nation’s decarbonization ambitions. This collaboration with BRPL reflects the kind of forward-looking action that will help shape the future of India’s energy infrastructure.”

Mr. Udai Singh - MD & CEO, Schneider Electric Infrastructure Ltd and VP, Power Systems, Schneider Electric India said, “As India advances its energy transition journey, the focus must extend beyond expanding generation capacity to building distribution networks that are sustainable, resilient, and digitally enabled. Utilities will play a pivotal role in enabling this transformation by advancing energy technologies that strengthen grid reliability, reduce environmental impact, and accelerate the adoption of SF6-free infrastructure. Our collaboration with BRPL reflects a shared commitment to accelerating grid modernization and creating future-ready infrastructure that can support India’s evolving energy needs.”

The project marks a significant milestone for India’s utility sector. For the first time in the country, RM AirSeT 12kV Indoor RMUs were sourced from Schneider Electric’s SBMV global plant, while the FRTU integration was carried out at the company’s MVI plant in India. This enabled greater customization and flexibility in line with BRPL’s operational requirements. To support the deployment, Schneider Electric facilitated specialized training for Indian teams at its AMT Hungary plant to strengthen expertise in RM AirSeT technology and FRTU integration.

BRPL official, said, “At BRPL, we are continuously exploring technologies that strengthen network reliability while supporting our sustainability commitments. The deployment of Schneider Electric’s RM AirSeT solution with integrated FRTU is an important step in that direction. This pilot has given us valuable insight into how SF6-free and connected technologies can support the future evolution of distribution networks in India.”

The RM AirSeT 12kV solution integrated with T300 FRTU delivers both sustainability and operational advantages. The technology also removes concerns around SF6 leakage during operations and eliminates the need for SF6 recovery and recycling at end of life, while offering a robust, reliable, and longer-lasting alternative to conventional RMUs.

This deployment reflects Schneider Electric’s continued commitment to supporting India’s grid modernization journey through sustainable and digitally enabled technologies. The BRPL pilot is expected to serve as a strong reference for future large-scale adoption of SF6-free medium-voltage solutions across the Indian utility market.

About Schneider Electric:

Schneider Electric is a global energy technology leader, driving efficiency and sustainability by electrifying, automating, and digitalizing industries, businesses, and homes. Its technologies enable buildings, data centres, factories, infrastructure, and grids to operate as open, interconnected ecosystems, enhancing performance, resilience, and sustainability. The portfolio includes intelligent devices, software-defined architectures, AI-powered systems, digital services, and expert advisory. With 160,000 employees and 1 million partners in over 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently ranked among the world’s most sustainable companies.

India’s Energy Leap: First Indigenous UHVAC Transformer Sets Global Benchmark

Image ~ Varun Karthikeyan@X

That’s a major milestone for India’s power sector. BHEL’s successful development and testing of the first indigenous 1200 kV Ultra High Voltage AC transformer (333 MVA rating) places India firmly in the league of nations capable of designing and manufacturing such cutting‑edge grid equipment.

The reason it’s called India’s first indigenous 1200 kV Ultra High Voltage AC transformer (333 MVA rating) is because until now such ultra‑high voltage transmission technology was either imported or developed abroad. BHEL’s achievement marks the first time this level of transformer has been designed, engineered, manufactured, and tested entirely within India.

Developed by BHEL’s engineers without foreign technical dependence, showcasing India’s self‑reliance in critical grid infrastructure, the 1200 kV benchmark is the highest AC voltage class in the world, surpassing the 765 kV systems widely used in the USA and the 1000–1100 kV systems in China.

The 333 MVA capacity rating indicates its ability to handle massive power flows, essential for bulk transmission across India’s expanding grid.Global first: While other countries operate UHVAC networks, India’s 1200 kV transformer is unique in being indigenously built and tested to full capacity.

While other countries operate UHVAC networks, India’s 1200 kV transformer is unique in being indigenously built and tested to full capacity. Moreover, it reduces reliance on imports, strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and positions India as a global leader in ultra‑high voltage transmission.

Why It Matters

• 1200 kV UHVAC: Highest voltage level globally for AC transmission, enabling bulk power transfer with minimal losses.
• 333 MVA rating: Massive transformer capacity, critical for India’s growing electricity demand.
• Indigenous development: Reduces reliance on imports, strengthens self‑reliance under Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
• BHEL’s role: Reinforces its position as India’s premier heavy electrical equipment manufacturer.

Strategic Impact

• Supports India’s national grid expansion, especially for renewable integration.
• Enhances energy security by ensuring critical equipment is domestically available.
• Positions India as a global leader in ultra‑high voltage transmission technology.

Comparative Snapshot: Global UHVAC Transformers

Country	Voltage Level	Key Manufacturer	Significance
India	1200 kV	BHEL	First indigenous UHVAC transformer
China	1000–1100 kV	State Grid Corp, TBEA	World’s largest UHVAC network
Europe	800–1000 kV	Siemens, ABB	Advanced interconnectors
USA	765 kV	GE, ABB	Backbone of long‑distance transmission