Hitachi Energy Ltd. (Zurich, Switzerland) and Daikin Industries, Ltd. (Osaka, Japan) announced an agreement to establish a long-term strategic supply relationship for Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ® portfolio of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)-free high-voltage technologies. As part of the agreement, Daikin Chemical Europe GmbH, a subsidiary of Daikin Industries, will supply C4-FN, a specialty gas component used in insulating gas mixtures. The C4-FN will be produced by Daikin Refrigerants Frankfurt GmbH at its facility in Frankfurt, Germany, leveraging advanced manufacturing capabilities, high quality, and environmental standards. The new production capacity will become available in 2027 and is part of a resilient global supply chain strategy for critical materials used in Hitachi Energy’s SF6-free EconiQ technology.
SF6, a strong greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 24,300 times greater than CO2, is commonly used in high-voltage equipment for its superior insulation and switching properties. Utilizing C4-FN gas, the EconiQ portfolio reduces up to 99% in CO2-equivalent emissions compared with conventional SF6-insulated equipment, while retaining the same technical performance, reliability, and compactness.
The announcement comes as demand for EconiQ continues to grow worldwide. The portfolio has attracted more than 4,000 orders across 40 countries, as utilities and industries expand and modernize their power grids while seeking to reduce the environmental impact of their infrastructure.
To support this growth, Hitachi Energy is pursuing a multi-sourcing strategy for the key materials. The addition of Daikin as a supplier strengthens the supply chain behind the EconiQ portfolio, complementing existing qualified sources in Asia with capacity in Europe.
“As the demand for eco-efficient equipment continues to grow around the world, strengthening our supply chain is essential,” said Markus Heimbach, CEO, High Voltage Products Business Unit, Hitachi Energy. “Adding a world-class German production site enhances supply resilience and supports the manufacturing of clean energy technologies in Europe. We want to be sure that we can continue meeting customer demand.”
“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to supporting the energy transition through innovation, quality, and long-term collaboration,” said Yasuhisa Hirao, General Manager, Chemicals Division, Daikin Industries. “We are proud that our group company, Daikin Refrigerants Frankfurt GmbH, will produce an essential component of the global value chain for power grids.”