Siemens Energy Opens New High-Voltage Switchgear Factory in Shanghai to Accelerate SF₆-Free GIS Production
July 17, 2026
Shanghai Siemens Energy High Voltage Switchgear Co., Ltd. officially inaugurated its new manufacturing facility on July 9, 2026, marking another important milestone in the development of environmentally friendly high-voltage switchgear technology in China.
The new factory will serve as one of Siemens Energy’s major global production bases for high-voltage switchgear and will focus on the research, manufacturing and delivery of Blue GIS, Siemens Energy’s SF₆-free gas-insulated switchgear technology. The investment is expected to significantly enhance production capacity for both the Chinese and international markets.
Smart Manufacturing for the Next Generation of GIS
Covering approximately 45 mu (about 30,000 m²), the new factory was completed within one year after construction began in June 2025.
The facility integrates:
- Automated production lines
- Intelligent warehousing and logistics systems
- Digital manufacturing management
- AI-assisted production and quality control
These technologies are designed to improve manufacturing efficiency, product consistency and delivery capability for next-generation GIS equipment.
During the inauguration ceremony, Siemens Energy executives emphasized that global electricity demand continues to grow while renewable energy integration is accelerating. As modern power grids become smarter, more resilient and more sustainable, demand for environmentally friendly switchgear solutions is also increasing.
The company reaffirmed its long-term commitment to developing SF₆-free switchgear technologies, helping utilities reduce greenhouse gas emissions without compromising operational reliability.
A Milestone in China’s Green Power Equipment Manufacturing
Shanghai Siemens Energy High Voltage Switchgear Co., Ltd. was established in 2001 as a joint venture between Siemens Energy and Shanghai Electric.
The company specializes in the development and manufacture of GIS rated 52 kV and above, with products exported to 58 countries and regions worldwide.
Recent achievements include:
- National Green Factory (2023)
- Shanghai Advanced Intelligent Factory (2024)
The new manufacturing facility further strengthens China’s position as an important production center for advanced high-voltage equipment while supporting the country’s carbon reduction and energy transition objectives.
Industry Insight: The Transition from SF₆ to Alternative Insulating Gases
The commissioning of Siemens Energy’s new factory reflects a broader trend across the global power industry.
Utilities and GIS manufacturers are increasingly investing in equipment using alternative insulating gases such as fluoronitrile-based mixtures (commonly known as Blue GIS technology) to reduce the environmental impact associated with SF₆.
However, SF₆ will continue to remain in service for millions of installed GIS and circuit breakers worldwide for many years. As a result, the industry currently requires support for both traditional SF₆ equipment and next-generation environmentally friendly gas technologies.
KSTONE provides gas handling solutions for both applications, including:
- SF₆ gas recovery and recycling systems
- SF₆ gas analyzers
- SF₆ leak detectors
- Vacuum evacuation systems
- C4F7N (fluoronitrile) gas analysis equipment
- C4F7N gas filling and recovery solutions
As global utilities gradually adopt environmentally friendly insulating gases, reliable gas handling, testing and maintenance equipment will play an increasingly important role in ensuring safe, efficient and sustainable grid operation.