Investment in climate protection and energy security in Bad Windsheim
The municipal utilities of Bad Windsheim are setting an example for sustainability by converting the medium-voltage switchgear in Transformer Station 8 to fluorine gas-free operation, with support from Siemens.
The existing installation from 1982 is being replaced with a modern 20 kV switchgear system featuring climate-friendly technology from Siemens. Siemens Smart Infrastructure has developed an environmentally friendly alternative for insulation with its blue GIS medium-voltage switchgear. This system uses a gas mixture composed of natural components of ambient air—so-called 'clean air'—instead of fluorinated gases. This solution is not only environmentally sustainable but also complies with the upcoming EU regulation that bans the use of the climate-damaging insulating gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) in medium-voltage switchgear up to 24 kV as of January 1, 2026. In response, the municipal utilities of Bad Windsheim are investing in a new, climate-friendly system and are partnering with Siemens for the technical implementation of the transition. The new switchgear also features remote control capabilities, communication interfaces, and is designed to allow future expansions.
"At Stadtwerke Bad Windsheim, we are particularly pleased to have realized the benefits of gas-insulated switchgear in a sustainable, climate-friendly, and economically viable technical solution," said Thomas Hartlehnert, Managing Director of Stadtwerke Bad Windsheim. "These benefits include maintenance-free operation, personnel safety, and the compact design of the switchgear."
"With the fluorine gas-free switchgear, we are enabling our customer to operate a sustainable, future-proof, and cost-effective power network," said Christoph Menger, Head of Electrification and Automation at Siemens Germany. "By completely eliminating fluorinated gases, our customers are also well-prepared for any future regulations. And with the option to retrofit cloud-based condition monitoring, the switchgear is fully equipped for the future," Menger added.
Medium-voltage switchgear is essential for connecting consumers or generation facilities to the medium-voltage grid. As a core component of transformer stations, it ensures the efficient and safe transmission of electricity. In addition to the switchgear, Siemens is supplying Stadtwerke Bad Windsheim with the station building, an oil transformer, low-voltage distribution panels, and a DC power supply.
