Schneider Electric, a global energy technology leader, together with trusted partner Technoserve Medium Voltage (MV), has implemented its RM AirSeT SF₆-free medium voltage (MV) switchgear at Elgin Orchards, one of South Africa’s leading fruit producers, situated in Grabouw in the Western Cape

The Elgin Orchards project marks another important step in the continued adoption of the globally recognised  RM AirSeT and its pure-air switchgear technology in the South African marketplace.

The successful installation of the RM AirSeT forms part of Elgin Orchard’s journey to establish sustainable and resilient operations. The switchgear replaces an existing Schneider Electric RM6 unit which has been moved to a new cold storage plant – a move that underscores the fruit producer’s commitment to resource efficiency.

“At Elgin Orchards, sustainability is at the heart of everything we do,” says Neil Reid at Elgin Orchards. “Togher with Schneider Electric and Technoserve Medium Voltage we’ve made a change that aligns to reliable, safe, and low-carbon energy”.

Explains Brighton Mwarehwa, Offer and Marketing Director for Power Systems at Schneider Electric: “The RM AirSeT installation at Elgin Orchards delivers 100% elimination of SF₆, improved reliability, and cost savings of up to 20% over the system’s lifecycle. It’s more than equipment; it’s a step toward responsible growth and energy resilience”.

The future of greener operations

The RM AirSeT represents the next generation of sustainable switchgear, using pure air insulation and vacuum technology instead of sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆), a greenhouse gas (GHG) with 24,300 times the global warming potential of CO₂.

By removing SF₆ entirely, Elgin Orchards has achieved measurable carbon footprint reduction and eliminated associated regulatory risks, while ensuring uninterrupted operations for its cold chain and processing facilities.

Evans Coetzee, General Manager at Technoserve MV comments: “The RM AirSeT offers not just reliability but future-proof flexibility. It’s compact, robust, and digital-ready, providing Elgin Orchards with a durable and sustainable medium-voltage solution that’s simple to install and maintain. The swap from RM6 to RM AirSeT was seamless and completed in a single day, minimising downtime.”

“The RM AirSeT delivers  up to 10,000 switching cycles and offers integrated digital capabilities for real-time monitoring and diagnostics through Schneider’s Easergy T300 platform. This makes it ideally suited for hybrid energy systems, frequent operations, and future smart grid integration.” – he adds.

The RM AirSeT also offers the following important features:

• Voltage range - suitable for underground secondary distribution applications up to 24kV.
• High reliability - built on Schneider Electric’s legacy of over 1.8 million MV functions deployed globally, ensuring robust performance.
• Compact – the switchgear design enables space-saving installations.
• Native digital connectivity -seamlessly integrates with modern SCADA systems like Schneider Electric’s ETAP offering enabling real-time monitoring and control.
• Smart grid compatibility - enhances grid automation and operational efficiency for utilities and industrial users.

Mwarehwa adds: “The Elgin Orchards project is a clear example of how sustainability and performance can coexist. By replacing SF₆ with pure air, we are helping our customers transition towards cleaner, more resilient energy systems without compromising reliability or safety.

“It demonstrates how innovation in electrical distribution can make a tangible impact on climate goals while supporting South Africa’s all-important agricultural sector.”

The RM AirSeT recently earned global recognition for its environmental innovation, honoured by the  World Economic Forum Alliance of CEO Climate Leaders as a Champion of the Scope 3 Downstream Solutions Challenge in the Sustainable Design category.

This accolade underscores AirSeT’s role in decarbonising electrical distribution systems and advancing net-zero ambitions worldwide.