Hitachi Energy and Daikin Partner to Expand SF6-Free Grid Technologies

Hitachi Energy and Daikin Industries, Ltd. have announced a significant partnership aimed at supporting the rapid expansion of Hitachi Energy's EconiQ® portfolio of SF6-free grid technologies. The agreement, signed in September 2026, will see Daikin Chemical Europe GmbH supply C4-FN, a critical gas component, from its Frankfurt facility, starting in 2027.

C4-FN will be produced by Daikin Refrigerants Frankfurt GmbH, leveraging the company's advanced manufacturing capabilities and environmental standards. This new production capacity will bolster the supply chain for critical materials used in Hitachi Energy's SF6-free EconiQ technology, contributing to the company's global supply strategy.

SF6, a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 24,300 times greater than CO2, is traditionally used in high-voltage equipment for its superior insulation and switching properties. By utilizing C4-FN gas, the EconiQ portfolio significantly reduces CO2-equivalent emissions by 99 percent compared to conventional SF6-insulated equipment, while maintaining the same technical performance, reliability, and compactness.

The demand for EconiQ technology continues to grow, with the portfolio attracting more than 4,000 orders across 40 countries. This growth underscores the increasing interest from utilities and industries in modernizing their power grids while reducing their environmental impact.

Hitachi Energy CEO Markus Heimbach emphasized the importance of strengthening the company's supply chain, stating, "As the demand for eco-efficient equipment continues to grow around the world, strengthening our supply chain is essential. Adding a world-class production site in Germany enhances supply resilience and supports the manufacturing of clean energy technologies in Europe."

Yasuhisa Hirao, General Manager of the Chemicals Division at Daikin Industries, Ltd., echoed this sentiment, saying, "This agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting the energy transition through innovation, quality, and long-term collaboration. We are proud that our group company, Daikin Refrigerants Frankfurt GmbH, will produce an essential component of the global value chain for power grids."

Daikin Industries, with nearly a century of experience in chemical manufacturing and a global network spanning Asia, North America, and Europe, brings its Environmental Vision 2050 to the partnership. This vision includes targets for greenhouse gas emissions reduction, certified by the Science Based Targets initiative.

Hitachi Energy, a global leader in electrification, continues to address the urgent energy challenges of our time, driving the evolution of the world's energy system to ensure abundant, secure, affordable, and sustainable power. The company's grid ecosystem partners across various sectors, including utilities, industry, data centers, and transportation, will benefit from this strategic alliance.

Both companies are committed to sustainable solutions and continuous innovation, positioning themselves at the forefront of the transition to cleaner, more efficient energy technologies.