Schneider Electric Deploys India’s First SF6-Free RM AirSeT RMU with BRPL

Schneider Electric has partnered with BSES Rajdhani Power (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, Deepak Sharma, Zone President – Greater India, MD and 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.”

Udai Singh - MD and CEO, Schneider Electric Infrastructure 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 modernisation 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 customisation and flexibility in line with BRPL’s operational requirements. To support the deployment, Schneider Electric facilitated specialised training for Indian teams at its AMT Hungary plant to strengthen expertise in RM AirSeT technology and FRTU integration.

BRPL officials 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 modernisation 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.