Schneider Electric announced the signing of a long-term framework agreement with E.ON, one of Europe’s largest energy companies. This strategic partnership marks an important step in the implementation of a sustainable and digital-ready energy infrastructure across Europe. Schneider Electric will support E.ON’s ambitious goals with the latest SF6-free medium-voltage (MV) switchgear and a set of digital technologies.
The collaboration between Schneider Electric and E.ON is based on a common goal: building the energy networks of the future – sustainable, smart and efficient networks. This partnership is supported by more than two decades of cooperation between the two companies.
“To actively shape the green transformation in Germany, we are investing heavily in a future-proof energy infrastructure. This long-term contract ensures access to SF6-free technologies, supports standardization and enables a cost-effective implementation of the energy transition,” said Lisbeth Buschkühl, Chief Procurement Officer of E.ON SE.
The framework agreement stipulates that Schneider Electric will annually supply GM-AirSeT primary switchgear panels and RM-AirSeT secondary switchgear panels (RMU). 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 compatibility with E.ON’s requirements. Schneider Electric will supply a significant part of E.ON’s primary and secondary requirements – a demonstration of confidence in the AirSeT design and capabilities.
“This agreement with E.ON is a powerful example of accelerating the transition to a more sustainable and digital energy infrastructure. By working with E.ON to implement SF6-free technologies, we are not only responding to new regulatory requirements — we are shaping the future of electricity in Europe,” said Melton Chang, Executive Vice President of the Power Systems division at Schneider Electric.
Over the past 15 years, Schneider Electric has invested in developing a complete portfolio of SF6-free medium voltage switchgear for secondary and primary distribution networks. The industrial centers in Regensburg (Germany) and Duna Smart Factory (Hungary) play a central role in fulfilling 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.
The greenhouse gas SF6 has a global warming potential (GWP) of 24,300, meaning that one kilogram warms the atmosphere as much as 24,300 kg of CO₂. It also persists for around 1,000 years, so its effects are long-term. With the imminent entry into force of the EU regulation on fluorinated gases (F-gas), which bans SF6 and other fluorinated gases in medium-voltage electrical equipment up to 24 kV from 1 January 2026, the phase-out of SF6 in electricity distribution is becoming increasingly concrete and important.