Energy management and automation company Schneider Electric has noted a strong uptake of its sulphur hexafluoride- (SF₆-) free switchgear technology in East African countries including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and Ethiopia. The company explains that utilities, commercial buildings, industrial facilities, and infrastructure projects in the region are increasingly seeking reliable solutions that advance decarbonisation and regulatory compliance.

SM AirSeT, part of Schneider Electric’s AirSeT range, uses pure air instead of SF₆ – a greenhouse gas which is said to have 24 300 times the global warming potential of carbon dioxide. The company asserts that its technology offers an option for organisations transitioning to low-carbon electrical networks without compromising safety or performance.

“From utilities expanding medium-voltage networks to data centres powering the digital economy, and from manufacturing plants to critical infrastructure like airports and seaports, customers are looking for solutions that combine reliability, safety, and sustainability,” says Schneider Electric East Africa business leader: infrastructure segment and power systems Symphrose Ochieng.

The company asserts that the need for increased electrification is accelerating grid modernisation, decarbonisation, industrialisation and digitalisation efforts, driving demand for sustainable medium-voltage (MV) distribution solutions. It says its SM AirSeT delivers a sustainable, regulation-compliant solution for utilities seeking to modernise their MV networks.

The technology is suited for urban network extensions, rural electrification programmes and infrastructure upgrades and aims to deliver a safe, reliable MV distribution for high-availability environments such as data centres, hospitals, universities, real estate developments, and logistics hubs.

With its digital-ready design, SM AirSeT enables smart monitoring, predictive maintenance, and remote diagnostics. Advanced connectivity helps minimise downtime, optimise energy efficiency and ensure operational resilience.

As East Africa accelerates investments in transformative infrastructure, from airports and seaports to rail systems, Schneider Electric says SM AirSeT is engineered to meet the demands of East Africa’s rapidly expanding industrial base, serving sectors such as food and beverage, cement, textiles, and light manufacturing.