Transformers, substations + the grid
SF 6 -free MV switchgear for Elgin Orchards Schneider Electric, together with its partner Technoserve Medium Voltage, has implemented its RM AirSeT SFÄ-free medium voltage (MV) switchgear at Elgin Orchards, one of South Africa’s leading fruit producers, based in Grabouw in the Western Cape. The Elgin Orchards project marks another important step in the continuing adoption of the globally recognised RM Air- SeT and its pure-air switchgear technology in the South African marketplace. The installation of the RM AirSeT switchgear forms part of Elgin Orchards’ journey to establish sustainable and resilient operations. The switchgear replaces an existing Schneider Electric RM6 unit which, in line with the fruit producer’s com- mitment to resource eiciency, has been moved to a new cold storage plant. “At Elgin Orchards, sustainability is central to what we do,” says Neil Reid. “Together with Schneider Electric and Technoserve Medium Voltage we’ve made a change that supports reliable, safe, and low-carbon energy.” Brighton Mwarehwa, Oer and Marketing Director for Pow- er Systems at Schneider Electric says: “The RM AirSeT installa- tion at Elgin Orchards eliminates the use of SFÄ and delivers improved reliability, plus cost savings of up to 20% over the system’s lifecycle. It is a step towards responsible growth and energy resilience.”
a durable and sustainable medium-voltage solution that’s simple to install and maintain. The swap from RM6 to RM AirSeT was completed in a single day, minimising downtime.” He adds that the RM AirSeT delivers up to 10 000 switching cycles and oers integrated digital capabilities for real-time monitoring and diagnostics through Schneider’s Easergy T300 platform. This makes it well suited to hybrid energy systems, frequent operation, and future smart grid integration. Mwarehwa adds: “The Elgin Orchards project is an example of how sustainability and performance can function together. By replacing SFÄ with pure air, we are helping our customers transition towards cleaner, more resilient energy systems without compromising reliabil- ity or safety. “The project demonstrates how innovation in electrical distribu- tion can contribute to achieving climate goals while supporting South Africa’s all-important agricultural sector.” The RM AirSeT last year earned global recognition, honoured by the World Economic Forum’s [1] Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders as a Champion of the Scope 3 Downstream Solutions Challenge in the Sus- tainable Design category. This recognition underscores AirSeT’s role in decarbonising electrical distribution systems and advancing net-zero ambitions worldwide. Reference [1] WEF Forum stories https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/09/4-winning-solutions-that-ad- dress-downstream-scope-3-emissions/
For more information visit: www.se.com
Towards greener operations The RM AirSeT represents the next generation of sustainable
switchgear, using pure air insulation and vacuum technology instead of sulphur hexafluoride (SFÄ), a greenhouse gas with 24 300 times the global warming poten- tial of CO». By removing SFÄ entirely from the sys- tem, Elgin Orchards has achieved a meas- urable reduction in carbon footprint and eliminated associated regulatory risks. The new installation also ensures unin- terrupted operations for its cold chain and processing facilities. Evans Coetzee, General Manager at Technoserve MV comments: “The RM AirSeT oers reliability and future-ready flexibility. It is compact, robust, and dig- ital-ready, providing Elgin Orchards with
Elgin Orchards is one of South Africa’s leading fruit producers, based in Grabouw in the Western Cape.
JUNE 2026 Electricity + Control
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