The Power Transmission Division of Siemens has announced the launch of what is believed to be the world's first 1200 kV SF6 Circuit Breaker, from its manufacturing facility at Aurangabad. The 1200 kV Circuit Breaker was handed over to Mr R N Nayak Chairman & MD, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Armin Bruck, Managing Director, Siemens Ltd, said,

"Siemens has always been known for pioneering innovation and technological leadership. The launch of the 1200 kV SF6 Circuit Breaker is a significant milestone in this journey. Contributing towards sustainable development of the nation's economy by enhancing efficiency of the power sector is at the top of our agenda."

Mr A K Dixit, CEO Energy Sector, Siemens Ltd, said, "With this technological advancement, power transmission over long distances will be more efficient while increasing the transmission capacity. Once installed, the 1200kV system will spare more land for alternative use."

Spanning over long distances and with a transmission capacity of 8000 megawatts (MW), the new 1200 kV system will have low transmission losses. The power transmission capacity of the 1200 kV line will be more than double as compared to the 800 kV line. This technology will make it possible to evacuate large amount of electric power from distant generating stations to load centers by interconnecting regional grids. The new 1200 kV system will need less than half the space used by the existing 800 kV system with fewer numbers of lines for transmitting the same power, thus reducing the land footprint and overall environmental impact.