Schneider Electric and E.ON Sign Long-Term Agreement to Accelerate the Energy Transition with SF₆-Free Medium Voltage Switchgear

• A long-term framework agreement has been signed to accelerate the deployment of SF₆-free medium-voltage equipment across E.ON’s network
  
• Schneider Electric has been selected to supply a substantial share of E.ON’s medium-voltage switchgear requirements, covering both primary and secondary systems
  
• The partnership enables early access to sustainable technologies, ensuring compliance with the EU F-Gas Regulation effective January 2026

Schneider Electric, the leader in the digital transformation of energy management and automation, announced the signing of a long-term framework agreement with E.ON, one of Europe’s largest energy companies. This strategic partnership marks a significant step forward in the deployment of sustainable and digital-ready energy infrastructure across Europe. Schneider Electric will support E.ON’s ambitious goals with its latest SF6-free medium-voltage (MV) switchgear and a suite of digital technologies.

Strategic importance of the contract

The collaboration between Schneider Electric and E.ON is founded on a shared objective: building the energy grids of the future - grids that are sustainable, intelligent and efficient. This partnership builds on over two decades of cooperation between the two companies.

In order to actively shape the green transformation in Germany, we are investing massively in a future-proof energy infrastructure. This long-term contract secures access to SF6-free technologies, supports standardization and enables a cost-efficient implementation of the energy transition" said Lisbeth Buschkühl, Chief Procurement Officer of E.ON SE. 

The framework agreement stipulates that Schneider Electric will supply GM-AirSeT primary switchgear panels and RM-AirSeT secondary switchgear panels (Ring Main Units, RMUs) on an annual basis. Prior to the signing of the agreement, a pilot project with SF₆-free gas-insulated primary switchgear (GIS) was launched at Westnetz (an E.ON subsidiary) to assess its suitability for E.ON’s requirements. Schneider Electric will supply a significant portion of E.ON’s primary and secondary requirements - a testament to its confidence in AirSeT’s design and capabilities.

This agreement with E.ON is a powerful example of accelerating the shift to more sustainable, digital energy infrastructure. By working with E.ON to deploy SF₆-free technologies, we’re not only helping satisfy new regulatory requirements — we’re shaping the future of electricity in Europe,” said Melton Chang, Executive Vice President of Power Systems at Schneider Electric.

Over the last 15 years, Schneider Electric has invested in the development of a comprehensive SF₆-free medium voltage portfolio for secondary and primary distribution grids. The industrial centers in Regensburg (Germany) and Duna Smart Factory (Hungary) are central to delivering on this long-term contract, ensuring reliable and efficient production. In recent years, Schneider Electric has made significant investments in expanding its industrial capacity in Europe to meet the growing demand for SF₆-free technologies, reinforcing the company’s strategic commitment to sustainable innovation.

Through a consistent and forward-looking standardization of key components across its German grid companies, E.ON has laid the groundwork for the deployment of next-generation switchgear—developed and manufactured in Europe. These innovative products not only enhance the resilience and efficiency of the energy grid but also play a vital role in advancing E.ON’s sustainability goals.

Transition to SF₆-free technology and compliance with new GHG regulations

The greenhouse gas SF₆ has a global warming potential (GWP) of 24,300, i.e. one kilogram warms the atmosphere as much as 24,300 kg of CO₂. It also persists for around 1,000 years, making its effects long-lasting. With the impending EU F-gas regulation banning SF₆ and other F-gases in new medium-voltage switchgear up to 24 kV from January 1, 2026, moving away from SF₆ in electricity distribution is now becoming increasingly concrete and critical.

With its comprehensive portfolio of SF₆ -free switchgear, its global industrial centers and its strong presence in Europe, Schneider Electric supports its customers in complying with the European F-Gas Regulation on a large scale. The company will continue to expand its existing product portfolio of air and gas insulated switchgear to offer SF₆ -free alternatives for different applications and regions.

AirSeT technology validated and recognized

AirSeT technology, which replaces SF6 with pure air and vacuum, has garnered significant industry acclaim, such as the prestigious iF Design Award for RM AirSeT, highlighting its innovative character and excellence of design. The AirSeT technology has been validated in the field across industrial and grid applications such as examples at Romande Energie in Switzerland and EAM Netz in Germany.