How NOJA Power Switchgear improves Power System Sustainability

As the power industry transitions to a sustainable energy future, equipment selection plays a greater role in the overall environmental impact of electricity distribution.

NOJA Power was founded on the principles of sustainability in electrical switchgear design. This concept remains core to the business ethos. Here are three key examples of how NOJA Power Switchgear can improve your power system sustainability.

SF6 Gas Free

Since inception, NOJA Power took the strategic decision never to design switchgear products that used mineral oil or Sulphur Hexafluoride gas insulation.

These materials are the primary insulation method in older technology, where their dielectric performance (ability to withstand electrical pressure) is very high.

This high performance came at the cost of environmental performance.

Mineral oil poses contamination and spill risks, while SF6 gas remains among the worst greenhouse gases known. A single kilogram of SF6 gas has the equivalent of over 23,500 kg of CO2-e, with an atmospheric half life of 3,200 years.

None of NOJA Power’s switchgear uses SF6 or mineral oil. It is all built with solid dielectric insulation, giving innovations in the Load Break Switch sector, such as the NOJA Power VISI-SWITCH®, or in the Reclosing Circuit Breaker sector with the OSM® Recloser.

Organisational ISO Environmental Management Standards

As an engineering firm, adherence to standards is a key consideration for organisational sustainability. Just as electrical switchgear must conform to global standards for market acceptance, NOJA Power elected to conform to the ISO14001 standard for environmental management.

With an independently audited ISO 14001 environmental management program, NOJA Power switchgear products are the result of ongoing efforts to improve environmental impacts of operations.

A Net Zero Pledge

NOJA Power has pledged to achieve Net Carbon Zero by 2030, and maintains a third-party audited ISO 14067 calculation for carbon footprint for its equipment manufacture.

With clear vision on the carbon cost of products, development of a clear plan towards net zero is underway.

This vision aligns with the net carbon zero future of the electricity distribution grid.

Conclusion

“Since the inception of our business we have focused on improving the environmental footprint of our customers by providing pole mounted switchgear using solid dielectric technologies,” says NOJA Power Group Managing Director Neil O'Sullivan.

“This has matured over the years and today we enjoy a leading market position providing highly reliable medium voltage pole mounted switchgear to 106 countries worldwide. Our VISI-SWITCH is our latest solution to replace SF6 gas switches which is now starting to be embraced by customers on their own net carb zero by 2050 journey.”

As the world transitions to a sustainable energy future, NOJA Power is committed to developing switchgear that is aligned with that goal. Since inception, the business has worked to eliminate unsustainable materials from switchgear products, and providing engineers and utilities with a sustainable option in switchgear.

For more information visit www.nojapower.com.au.