Enedis, France’s largest electricity distribution system operator, has extended its long-standing collaboration with ABB through a renewed framework agreement aimed at modernizing the country’s power networks. The new five-year contract, with an option to extend to eight years, underscores Enedis’ commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its medium-voltage grid infrastructure. The agreement was finalized in the third quarter of 2025.
Europe’s accelerating shift toward cleaner energy—driven by the growth of rooftop solar, wind and solar farms, electric vehicles, and heat pumps—is placing unprecedented demand on electricity distribution systems. With EU electricity consumption expected to grow by 60% between 2023 and 2030, strengthening partnerships like that of Enedis and ABB has become essential to building future-ready and sustainable grid infrastructure.
Enedis took an early lead in 2017 by committing to phase out sulphur hexafluoride (SF6)—a greenhouse gas over 24,000 times more potent than CO₂—from its medium-voltage switchgear. That same year, Enedis and ABB began developing SF6-free alternatives, resulting in the first installation of Unisec V500, an air-insulated switchgear with vacuum circuit breakers, in 2021. Since then, this solution has been validated and integrated into Enedis’ broader network, paving the way for wider deployment of eco-friendly grid technologies.
“This renewed collaboration with ABB reinforces our shared vision to minimize environmental impact while strengthening and expanding the electricity network,” said Hervé Champenois, Chief Technical Officer at Enedis. “Together, we’re enhancing the resilience and sustainability of France’s power distribution system.”
Under the new agreement, ABB will continue supplying its proven SF6-free switchgear solutions, enabling large-scale rollout across Enedis’ infrastructure. The partnership will also focus on eco-design improvements, carbon reduction, and energy efficiency enhancements, alongside the introduction of a take-back program for retiring SF6-based equipment to promote a circular economy.
“This agreement reflects the solid collaboration between Enedis and ABB,” said Andrea Estrada Hein, Executive Vice President, Switchgear Business Line, Distribution Solutions, ABB. “As electrification accelerates across Europe, strong partnerships like this are key to ensuring the grid remains both reliable and sustainable.”
SF6 belongs to a group of fluorinated gases, known for their high global warming potential. Under the EU’s F-gas regulation, new medium-voltage switchgear using SF6 will be prohibited from 2026 for up to 24 kV and from 2030 for 24–52 kV systems, with only recycled gas permitted for maintenance after 2035.
ABB is a global technology leader in electrification and automation, helping industries become more efficient, productive, and sustainable. With more than 140 years of innovation and about 110,000 employees worldwide, ABB is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange (ABBN) and Nasdaq Stockholm (ABB).
Enedis manages and modernizes France’s public electricity distribution network, employing over 41,000 people and serving 38.8 million customers. Operating 1.4 million kilometers of low- and medium-voltage lines, the company connects homes and businesses to the grid, ensures continuous service, and supports the nation’s energy transition. Since June 2023, Enedis has been a mission-driven enterprise focused on delivering an efficient, innovative, and socially responsible electricity distribution service for a sustainable future.
