“Technology is not a final destination, but a direction, and technological solutions arise in response to specific needs.

One major challenge and necessity is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. In 2024, the EU introduced a regulation stating that, starting January 2030, medium-voltage cells up to 52 kV can no longer be commissioned. ABB has been developing SF6-free technology since 2015, and we are now entering the second stage of this technological development. We are ready with a complete product portfolio,” said Constantin Ichimoaei, Executive Manager of ABB Romania, during the Green Energy Conference organized by The Diplomat-Bucharest.

Key statements:

• “Investors, construction companies, and EPCs currently running projects must be aware that from January 1, 2026, they will no longer be able to use equipment containing SF6. We are prepared for this transition and ready to provide solutions for these technological challenges.”
• “Regarding green energy, I must also mention the electrification of transport, specifically truck fleets. In the industry, drivers have a standard 45-minute rest break. This has led to the proposal that trucks be charged during these rest periods.”
• “Since 2020, ABB has helped develop the Megawatt Charging System (MCS), a charging connector for large battery electric vehicles. We are currently ready with charging stations for trucks with a power output of 1.2 MW.”
• “We need investments in modernizing low- and medium-voltage power lines, as well as in modernizing secondary distribution, which must be done without SF6. The new SF6-free technology presents technical challenges and costs that were not previously budgeted.”
• “The electrical grid is the backbone of a modern society. We aim to create a safe, smart, and sustainable power grid in Romania. Tomorrow’s technology is available today – we don’t need to wait.”