Global energy management and automation giant, Schneider Electric, has received a prestigious recognition from the World Economic Forum (WEF) for its groundbreaking AirSeT technology, a green innovation that eliminates the use of sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) gas in medium-voltage electrical equipment. The award highlights Schneider Electric’s leadership in advancing sustainable energy solutions and promoting climate-friendly technologies across the global power sector.
The WEF honoured Schneider Electric’s AirSeT under its “Excellence in Sustainability and Circular Economy” category, describing it as a transformative solution that combines innovation with environmental responsibility. The technology replaces SF₆ — a potent greenhouse gas commonly used in switchgear — with pure air and vacuum interruption, drastically reducing carbon emissions while maintaining high reliability and safety standards.
In a statement, the company’s Executive Vice President for Power Systems and Services, Olivier Blum, expressed delight at the recognition, noting that the award underscores Schneider Electric’s long-standing commitment to creating sustainable and digital solutions for the energy industry. “This recognition from the World Economic Forum reaffirms our belief that technology can drive a cleaner and more efficient energy future. AirSeT is proof that we can deliver innovation without compromising the planet,” Blum said.
Blum added that the development of AirSeT reflects Schneider Electric’s dedication to decarbonisation, circularity, and digitalisation — the three pillars of its sustainability roadmap. According to him, the technology not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances operational efficiency through smart monitoring features that support predictive maintenance and grid reliability.
AirSeT, launched in 2021, has gained widespread adoption among utilities, industries, and commercial entities seeking to transition toward more sustainable electrical infrastructure. The solution has been deployed in several regions, including Europe, Asia, and Africa, helping customers achieve their net-zero targets while modernising power systems.
The company’s Country President for Schneider Electric West Africa, Temitayo Akinyele, described the award as a major milestone for the brand and an inspiration for continued innovation in Nigeria’s power and energy landscape. “We are proud that Schneider Electric’s green technology is receiving global recognition. It reinforces our mission to deliver reliable, safe, and sustainable energy solutions that support Nigeria’s growth and industrialisation,” Akinyele said.
She explained that the AirSeT technology aligns with the Nigerian government’s climate goals and energy transition plan, which aim to reduce carbon emissions and promote renewable energy adoption. “As Nigeria moves toward cleaner power systems, adopting innovations like AirSeT will help eliminate harmful gases, reduce maintenance costs, and improve efficiency in the distribution network,” she added.
Experts in the energy industry have commended Schneider Electric for developing an alternative to SF₆-based switchgear, noting that the move represents a significant step toward achieving global carbon neutrality. SF₆, though effective for insulation and arc quenching, has a global warming potential estimated to be over 23,000 times higher than carbon dioxide, making it one of the most damaging gases to the environment.
Energy analysts say AirSeT’s use of pure air as an insulation medium not only cuts emissions but also makes recycling and end-of-life management much easier and safer compared to traditional systems. The equipment is fully compatible with existing switchgear installations, allowing for seamless retrofitting without the need for extensive infrastructure changes.
According to Schneider Electric, the award also recognises the company’s contribution to digital transformation in the energy sector. AirSeT is integrated with smart sensors and Internet of Things (IoT) capabilities that provide real-time monitoring, data analytics, and condition-based maintenance. These features help operators detect faults early, improve safety, and extend the lifespan of assets while reducing operational costs.
The company revealed that its continuous investment in green innovation is part of its broader goal to help customers save up to 800 million tons of CO₂ emissions by 2030. Schneider Electric has also committed to achieving carbon neutrality in its own operations by 2025 and full net-zero emissions across its value chain by 2050.
Industry leaders, environmental advocates, and policymakers attending the WEF summit praised Schneider Electric’s achievement, describing it as an example of how private sector innovation can complement government efforts toward sustainable development. The recognition, they said, demonstrates that cleaner alternatives are viable and scalable in the global energy landscape.
The WEF jury highlighted that Schneider Electric’s AirSeT solution addresses a critical gap in the electrification value chain by replacing hazardous gases with eco-friendly alternatives while maintaining operational excellence. The award was presented at the Forum’s annual meeting, which focused on accelerating the world’s energy transition amid growing climate challenges.
Schneider Electric reaffirmed its commitment to continue investing in research and development to deliver more advanced technologies that will support global decarbonisation efforts. “We believe innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Our mission is to empower customers and partners with solutions that make energy safer, smarter, and greener,” Blum said.
With the WEF award, Schneider Electric strengthens its position as one of the world’s leading advocates for sustainable industrial practices. The recognition further cements its legacy as a company driving the transition to low-carbon energy systems — a vision that is increasingly critical as nations and businesses accelerate efforts to meet their climate commitments.
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