Lucy Electric debuts EcoTec, the UK’s first non-SF6 ring main unit

Lucy Electric has unveiled EcoTec, the first ring main unit (RMU) of its kind in the UK, designed for medium voltage networks without the use of Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). 

Tailored specifically for the UK market, EcoTec has been launched in response to new EU F-Gas regulations, which are set to be enforced from January 1, 2026. This will restrict the use of SF6 up to 24kV.

To eliminate SF6, EcoTec employs a blend of nitrogen and oxygen, marking a significant move towards reducing emissions associated with electrical network operations. 

According to Lucy Electric, EcoTec was developed through extensive feasibility studies and collaboration with customers, focusing on long-term network efficiency and emission reduction. Notably, EcoTec is designed to fit existing substation spaces and concrete slab fixings to minimise replacement emissions.

Martin Sweeney, Global Head of Product Management at Lucy Electric, stated, “Alongside our customers, Lucy Electric is focused on meeting net zero commitments, and EcoTec is specifically designed to reduce the emissions of UK network operators in an efficient and cost-effective way. We have listened extensively to customer feedback to optimise the design of our switchgear such as embedding the control unit and the smart solutions, including remote control available as standard.

“Lucy Electric has a long heritage as a 200-year-old British engineering business that has been supplying the UK electricity networks for over a century. The UK is Lucy Electric’s second biggest market, and we are proud to bring the first Ring Main Unit of its kind designed and developed in the UK to meet the specification here, at what is a critical stage of efforts to deliver Net Zero.”

Triconnex, a significant utility company, has partnered with Lucy Electric for switchgear installations. Ricky Clark, Procurement Manager at Triconnex, commented, “EcoTec will help us meet our targets for emissions reductions in the long-term as well as supporting our continued growth as a key partner for the UK efforts to decarbonise. We are delighted to work with our long-term supply chain partner Lucy Electric to enable the transition to greener energy networks. Their cutting-edge solutions and reliable infrastructure play a pivotal role in our operations. Moreover, the wealth of knowledge held by Lucy Electric's staff is invaluable to our success.”

Distribution network operators have already been trialing ways to ditch SF6 from the electrical network. For example, in 2022 Northern Powergrid announced a collaboration with ABB to deploy SF6-free medium voltage switchgear on its network. 

It’s unlikely that Lucy Electric will be alone in launching a non-SF6 ring main unit for the UK market, especially as we move closer to the January 1, 2026 date.