World-first EconiQ retrofill at 550 kV will cut SF₆ emissions while preserving full grid performance and reliability
Hitachi Energy and EGAT to complete the first-ever eco‑efficient gas retrofill at the 550 kV level, setting a new benchmark for eco-efficient high‑voltage infrastructure
The project will eliminate ~800 kg of SF₆ and avoid 97 tonnes of CO₂‑equivalent emissions, delivering a 95% reduction in climate impact
Existing 550 kV gas‑insulated lines are upgraded without modifying primary equipment, minimizing operational disruption
Hitachi Energy, the global leader in electrification, in collaboration with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), will complete the world’s first 550 kilovolt (kV) application of eco-efficient EconiQ® retrofill technology on existing, inservice assets originally designed for sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆). This breakthrough project will preserve Thailand’s grid performance while delivering a measurable reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The project is scheduled for completion in December 2026.
EGAT will upgrade 130 meters of 550 kV gas-insulated lines (GIL) at the Nan Substation using Hitachi Energy’s EconiQ high-voltage technology. The project replaces existing SF₆ with an advanced eco-efficient gas mixture without modifying or replacing any primary equipment.
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This upgrade enables EGAT to eliminate approximately 800 kg of SF₆, avoid 97 tonnes of CO₂-equivalent emissions and deliver a more than 95 percent reduction in CO₂-equivalent impact whilemaintaining full performance and system reliability1.
“Together with EGAT, we are delivering the world-first EconiQ retrofill at 550 kV, setting a new global benchmark,” said Wolf Mueller, CEO, Service, Hitachi Energy. “This project demonstrates how upgrading existing high‑voltage infrastructure can accelerate the path to net-zero.”
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“EGAT is committed to leading Thailand’s energy transition with responsibility and professionalism,” said Mr. Narin Phoawanich, Governor of EGAT. “This project supports our mission to secure a sustainable future for the nation and all Thai people.”
The EconiQ retrofill underscores EGAT’s commitment to maximizing the performance of its existing infrastructure while reducing environmental impact. This project demonstrates a practical path to reducing emissions from existing high-voltage assets while minimizing operational disruption.
Scheduled for completion in December 2026, the project will align with Hitachi Energy’s global roadmap for SF₆-free high-voltage technologies and contribute to Thailand’s 2050 net-zero pathway.
EconiQ is Hitachi Energy’s eco-efficient portfolio designed for superior environmental performance, enabling customers around the world to advance their sustainability goals through proven, high‑impact technologies.
References:
1 Based on IPCC AR6 global warming potential values and IEC 62271-1 ed.2.1 2021-10, Section 6.16.3 IEC 62271-1.
About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global leader in electrification, powering the electricity era to meet the energy demands of today, and the next 25 years. As the energy arm of Hitachi Group, over three billion people depend on our pioneering, mission-critical technologies to power their daily lives. With over a century of innovation, we are addressing the most urgent energy challenge of our time: driving the evolution of the world’s energy system to ensure abundant, secure, affordable, and sustainable power for today’s generation and the next. With an unparalleled installed base in over 140 countries, we are the grid ecosystem partner across the utility, industry, data center, and transportation sectors. Headquartered in Switzerland, we employ over 56,000 people in 60 countries and generate revenues of around $20 billion USD.
Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) that brings together IT, OT (Operational Technology) and products, Hitachi aims to be a global leader in continuously transforming social infrastructure through digital, contributing to a harmonized society where the environment, wellbeing, and economic growth are in balance. Hitachi operates worldwide across four sectors – Digital Systems & Services, Energy, Mobility, and Connective Industries – as well as a Strategic SIB Business Unit focused on new growth areas. With Lumada at its core, Hitachi creates value by combining data, technology and domain knowledge to solve customer and social challenges. Revenues for FY2025 (ended March 31, 2026) totaled 10,586.7 billion yen, with 606 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 290,000 employees worldwide. Visit us at https://www.hitachi.com.
World Artificial Intelligence Conference Committee
The 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC), held alongside the High-level Meeting on Global AI Governance, opened in Shanghai on July 17. Under the theme "AI Partnership for a Brighter Future," the event brought together a growing number of countries and regions, covering the full spectrum of AI+ industrial and cross-border cooperation scenarios, and upholding the principle of people-centered AI for the benefit of all.
The opening day featured a record 100,000-square-meter tech exhibition with over 300 global debuts. A notable trend was AI's shift from digital to physical: collaborative robots handling real-world tasks, AI agents evolving from Q&A to complex execution, and smart devices embedding AI into daily routines.
The morning main forum opened with visionary keynotes. Turing laureate Richard S. Sutton introduced the "the era of experience," arguing that current LLMs rely on human-labeled data without independent exploration, and that real-world interaction feedback is key to advancing general intelligence. Yin Qi, chairman of StepFun and Qianli Technology, then envisioned embodied AI agents driving industrial transformation through model-native operating systems, upgraded hardware, and global intelligent networks.
An interdisciplinary roundtable, moderated by academician Weinan E, explored how AI and quantum technologies are reshaping research paradigms. Experts reached consensus that open global infrastructure and cross-border joint research can narrow the intelligence divide, while robust ethical guardrails are essential for responsible progress.
The afternoon flagship forum deepened discussions on foundational technologies, governance, industrial implementation, and youth innovation. Turing laureates John Hopcroft and Yoshua Bengio shared insights - Hopcroft urged forward-looking talent strategies and upgraded university education, while Bengio proposed three core principles: mandatory safety verification, standardized risk management, and equitable distribution of AI gains.
Specialized dialogues tackled new computing architectures, physical intelligence, world models, and embodied intelligence, with corporate speakers showcasing applications in biomedicine, manufacturing, and smart infrastructure. A youth roundtable highlighted young researchers and founders as key drivers of the industry's future. The SAIL Awards honored breakthrough AI projects.
Building on the consensus, three global documents and a case collection were released. The "AI Cooperation and Development Action Plan" set a roadmap for cross-border technological and industrial collaboration. The "The initiative on mutual trust and interconnectivity among artificial intelligence agents" advocated an open, secure and inclusive ecosystem for AI agents. The "The action plan on international artificial intelligence (AI) ethics governance" established a multilateral framework for global AI governance. The "AI from China Benefits the World (2026) Case Collection" showcased 10 real-world cases of Chinese AI empowering global development, offering concrete paths to inclusive AI benefits.
The conference runs until July 20, with follow-up forums and industrial events to advance cross-border cooperation. WAIC calls on global partners to turn consensus into action and build an inclusive, secure, and fair AI ecosystem.
Source: World Artificial Intelligence Conference Committee
About the International SOS Group of Companies; 40 years of saving lives
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of protecting and saving lives. Wherever you are, we deliver customized security risk management, health and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of a security incident, epidemic, extreme weather or any other business-disrupting event, we provide an immediate response, giving you and your workforce peace of mind. We uniquely combine industry-leading technology with expertise in security, medical and logistics to deliver prevention programs that offer real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground support.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group has been saving lives for 40 years. Headquartered in London & Singapore, we are trusted by over 9,000 organizations. This includes the majority of the Fortune Global 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments,
educational institutions, and NGOs. Nearly 13,000 global experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, over 110 languages, 24/7, 365 days a year.
We help protect your people and your organization, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, your organization can fulfil its Duty of Care responsibilities and fortify its business continuity.
Organisations are increasingly considering AI as a leading tool for verifying risk information, as incidents involving false or misleading content continue to impact operations, according to new research from International SOS.
The Risk Outlook 2026 Pulse Check, a mid-year deep-dive into the most pressing concerns identified by risk professionals, found that nearly 60% of respondents view the greatest potential for AI is in verifying or validating information across multiple sources.
However, the findings also highlight growing concerns around misinformation and deception. More than four in ten respondents (42%) report that their organisation has either been affected by, or lacks sufficient visibility, to determine the impact of false, misleading or unverified information related to health, wellbeing or security risks. Respondents cited fake signals creating operational uncertainty, synthetic content increasing credibility risks, and targeted deception and impersonation.
Cvete Koneska, Global Security Director at International SOS, commented,
The potential is real, but so too is the risk of overestimating the maturity of current tools. While AI can help surface, synthesise and prioritise information at speed, verification remains a high-stakes task where careful human judgement remains indispensable, particularly when decisions can impact people’s health, safety, and security. Misplaced reliance on AI at this stage can amplify misinformation risks and delay critical decisions rather than improve them. The most prudent approach is a human-led model of integrating AI into risk management.
Irene Lai, Global Medical Director at International SOS added,
AI-generated deepfakes of real health professionals stating false information on measures to contain a natural outbreak is the new frontier of biowarfare, weaponised from a computer screen, without the need for introduction of a biological agent.
Beyond AI
The findings also point to broader structural challenges in organisational risk response, with clarity of responsibility and decision-making processes emerging as significant concerns.
Only 10% of organisations say they can respond “very quickly” to new risks. While 68% believe they respond “fairly quickly”, this may not be sufficient in an increasingly volatile operating environment. One in five organisations (20%) admit they are “not quick to respond at all”.
The research also exposes uncertainty within risk governance structures:
17% are unclear about what happens next when new risks emerge.
One-quarter (25%) are unclear about escalation triggers.
Only around 20% report being very clear on how global and local responses align.
These gaps can contribute to duplicated effort, inconsistent action, increased pressure on teams and a greater risk of employee burnout during crisis situations.
James Wood, Security Director, Northern Europe at International SOS, said,
The biggest barriers are not about awareness of risk, but at the point of decision. Organisations are often structured for stability, not volatility. That slows action when speed matters most.
About the International SOS Group of Companies; 40 years of saving lives
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of protecting and saving lives. Wherever you are, we deliver customized security risk management, health and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of a security incident, epidemic, extreme weather or any other business-disrupting event, we provide an immediate response, giving you and your workforce peace of mind. We uniquely combine industry-leading technology with expertise in security, medical and logistics to deliver prevention programs that offer real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground support.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group has been saving lives for 40 years. Headquartered in London & Singapore, we are trusted by over 9,000 organizations. This includes the majority of the Fortune Global 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. Nearly 13,000 global experts stand with you to provide support & assistance from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, over 110 languages, 24/7, 365 days a year.
We help protect your people and your organization, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, your organization can fulfil its Duty of Care responsibilities and fortify its business continuity.
IAA world premiere: new range extender system for heavy electric trucks facilitates transition from diesel
Range extender electric trucks combine the sustainability of electric drive systems with the flexibility and range of the internal combustion engine
Innovation can lower total cost of ownership over the vehicle life cycle and facilitate climate-friendly investments in the transport sector
Range extender BEVs make a key contribution to achieving European carbon dioxide fleet targets
With electrification products for commercial vehicles, MAHLE is among the market leaders in Europe and is expanding its presence with Chinese OEMs
MAHLE CEO Arnd Franz: “With high-performance technologies and production-ready products for electrification we are aiming for further growth.”
Electrified. Efficient. Economical: at the IAA, MAHLE is showcasing high-efficiency products for greater sustainability and enhanced economics in the transport sector
In addition to battery-electric trucks and hybrids, renewable fuels are also making a contribution to the defossilization of road transport
MAHLE is accelerating the electrification of road transport. With its new range extender system for heavy electric (BEV) trucks, the Stuttgart automotive component supplier is now paving the way for a faster changeover from diesel trucks, which currently dominate the road transport sector, to battery-electric trucks. Range extender electric trucks combine the sustainability of electric drive systems with the flexibility and range of the internal combustion engine. They assist the cost-intensive road transport sector to lower total cost of ownership over the vehicle life cycle and facilitate climate-friendly investments.
In addition, range extender BEVs contribute to achieving European carbon dioxide fleet targets. With its electrification products for commercial vehicles, MAHLE is among the market leaders in Europe and is also expanding its presence with Chinese commercial vehicle manufacturers, who are increasingly entering the European market with battery-electric trucks. “With high-performance technologies and production-ready products for electrification we are aiming for further growth,” said Arnd Franz, Chairman of the Group Management Board and CEO of MAHLE at a tech event held by the company in Stuttgart. At this year’s IAA Transportation, which is to be held in Hanover from September 15 to 20, MAHLE is exhibiting under the motto of “Electrified. Efficient. Economical.” The company is presenting its new range extender system as a world premiere as well as other high-efficiency products for greater sustainability and improved economics in the transport sector. In addition to products for battery-electric trucks and hybrids, the technology group is showcasing technologies for the use of renewable fuels for the defossilization of the road transport sector.
Forwarders and fleet operators face the challenge of making their business more climate-friendly despite steadily growing pressure on costs, without jeopardizing their economic viability or competitiveness. In this sector, the main obstacles to the growth of e-mobility are still the inadequate charging infrastructure for commercial vehicles in many regions and the limited ranges of battery-electric trucks. Flexibility and reliability are the key factors for business success in this sector. “Time and energy are limited, valuable resources, especially in road transport business; only operators who work economically can survive. With electrification products, MAHLE can help make heavy trucks more efficient and flexible at the same time as reducing operating expenses,” said Arnd Franz. “This is what we will be demonstrating to our customers, international vehicle manufacturers, and fleet operators at this year’s IAA Transportation.”
Dr. Marco Warth
Range extender system – a range and flexibility booster for fleets
in Hannover, MAHLE will be showcasing its new range extender system for heavy electric trucks as a world premiere. This system provides a flexible range without any compromises and efficiency without restrictions. With this MAHLE innovation on board, a battery-electric truck can cover all the daily ranges required. “Our range extender is a smart “emergency power unit” that is activated at precisely the right moment and significantly increases the range available,” said Dr. Marco Warth, Vice President MAHLE Corporate Research and Advanced Engineering.
The key component of the new system is an efficient high-voltage generator with a continuous output of 110 kilowatts (kW) and a peak output of up to 130 kW, driven by a compact internal combustion engine. The high-voltage generator supplies reliable power to the electric drive system even on difficult trips with a full load. Its architecture can be adapted easily to the performance requirements of a variety of applications and regional markets.
Thanks to its newly developed advanced oil cooling system, the generator has a power density of more than 7 kW per kilogram, allowing a high power output with reduced weight and simplified interfaces.
MAHLE’s new range extender systemA high-voltage generator
MAHLE has developed its range extender system as an autonomous unit combining generator, internal combustion engine, thermal and fluid management systems, fuel tank, AdBlue tank and exhaust gas treatment in a compact “box”. This unit will fit into the normal battery installation space of a battery-electric truck and can therefore be integrated into existing battery-electric vehicle platforms without any problems. The system replaces about one-third of the present battery capacity of a battery-electric truck, allowing the truck to be equipped with a smaller battery. As a result, the rear axle load is reduced by about 400 kg and the total vehicle weight by about 600 kg. All in all, a range extender BEV truck can reach a total range of more than 800 km, with the battery providing about 400 km and the range extender the remaining 400 km.
Under real-life operating conditions, the truck emits about 80 percent less CO2 in range extender operation than a truck with a conventional drive system. If the internal combustion engine, which is biofuel-ready thanks to MAHLE components, is operated with renewable fuels such as the advanced HVO100 bio-diesel, the truck has virtually zero CO2 emissions.
A comprehensive thermal management system with 48 kW of high-temperature and 15 kW of low-temperature cooling capacity ensures stable operation of the range extender system under heavy-duty operating conditions.
Power Cell Unit (PCU)Oil management system
For the internal combustion engine, MAHLE has continued the development of components to reduce fuel consumption and operating costs. For example, the new Power Cell Unit (PCU) features higher performance, a longer service life and greater efficiency. The new oil management system combining the oil filter, oil cooling system and bypass valve as well as other optional functions, also features improved efficiency and economics. Depending on the material used for the housing, the material cost can be reduced by up to 20 percent, the CO2 footprint of the product by up to 50 percent and the weight by as much as 25 percent. In addition, this product has a longer service life, further reducing overall operating expenses. The PCU and the oil management module can also be used with other types of drive system and are being showcased for the first time at IAA Transportation.
“Our range extender is the key to disconnecting the market ramp-up of battery-electric trucks from the inadequate pace of infrastructure development,” said Marco Warth. “If the charging station is busy, or alternative routes are called for as a result of weather conditions or congestion and infrastructure reaches its limits, other fleets can be stranded; an e-truck with range extender just carries on. Operational availability is maintained, even under peak conditions.”
MCT electric motor from MAHLE
MCT electric motor for heavy commercial vehicles – free from rare earth elements, lighter and more efficient
As another world premiere at IAA Transportation, MAHLE is showcasing a Contactless Transmitter (MCT) electric motor developed for use on the electric drive axles of heavy commercial vehicles. This motor is not equipped with permanent magnets and therefore does not require any rare earth elements. Compared with a benchmark permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM), the MCT electric motor saves up to 3 kilograms of rare earth magnets per vehicle. The avoidance of rare earth magnets further reduces the environmental footprint of the electric drive system.
The new motor from MAHLE is 10 percent lighter and more efficient than permanently excited electric motors with magnets under real-life driving conditions. The advantage compared with the permanently excited variant is higher efficiency within a significantly larger operating envelope covering a variety of different driving situations. The MCT electric motor has a peak output of 370 kW and torque of over 900 Nm at 3,900 rpm. The motor efficiency in the VECTO cycle, an EU simulation tool for determining the fuel efficiency of new vehicles, is about 95 percent.
MAHLE is well placed with its customers and ready for growth with electrification
MAHLE has gained a leading position in electrification and the field of thermal management which is so important in this context. That applies to all business areas and fields of application, and especially to commercial vehicle business. The group offers components and systems for the electrification of vehicles ranging from cycles and two- or three-wheel scooters to passenger cars and trucks. Every year, MAHLE sells about 8 million electric drive systems and electric ancillaries to customers in the automotive industry, in the smart mobility field and in other sectors. From 2026 to 2029, more than 35 electrified vehicle platforms of leading passenger car and truck manufacturers will be launched based on MAHLE technology and products.
In Europe, MAHLE is present in every battery-electric and fuel cell truck. The company is the market leader for electric climate compressors and among the top three in the marketplace as regards electric pumps and fans. In China, MAHLE is working together with all truck manufacturers to expand its presence in electrified vehicles. The group intends to grow in the commercial vehicle sector, especially with thermal management modules, electric fans, charging connection boxes, battery cooling plates and traction motors.
Medium and heavy commercial vehicles account for about 20 percent of the group’s business with the automotive industry. The group benefits not only from its development and production network in all major markets but also from its broadly diversified customer portfolio. MAHLE cooperates with more than 120 customers in the commercial vehicle and off-road sector. The group is especially well represented in Europe and the Americas. Orders received for commercial vehicle business in the first half of 2026 were significantly above the corresponding figure for the previous year, as in passenger car business. “We expect that we will grow more strongly than the market with our commercial vehicle products over the next five years,” said Arnd Franz. MAHLE sees the greatest potential for growth in Asia.
The CEO mentioned structural challenges and uncertainties for the business environment, including poor prospects for the European economy, customs tariff developments that were difficult to plan and poor demand in North America as well as growing competitive pressure from Chinese imports in Europe, especially as regards battery-electric vehicles.
Renewable fuels need to be expanded
The internal combustion engine remains the dominant drive system for commercial vehicles throughout the world. The share of internal combustion engines in this sector is expected to fall only slightly from the current figure of about 83 percent to about 73 percent by 2035, while electric drive systems will continue to grow but will still play a secondary role.
Arnd Franz
Even if the ramp-up of e-mobility were to succeed as planned, the CO2 emissions of the conventional fleet would still remain at the 2010 level, said Arnd Franz, referring to figures published by the International Energy Agency (IEA). “It is therefore clear that, in addition to electrification, supplies of sustainable fuels such as HVO100 and bio-LNG need to be massively expanded.“
In this situation, MAHLE remains a reliable supplier of components for high-efficiency internal combustion engines which can make a considerable contribution to reducing carbon dioxide emissions in road transport with renewable fuels. In the market for medium and heavy commercial vehicles, MAHLE is among the top five suppliers of components for internal combustion engines for nearly each product group. In the case of piston assemblies, cooling modules, Visco fans and air conditioning systems, the group is among the top three suppliers or even the market leader.
Large quantities of biofuels are already available and these can help in effectively reducing carbon dioxide emissions immediately, also and especially with respect to existing vehicles. The MAHLE Global Biomobility Center in Brazil has been in operation for two years for the further development of biofuels, bio-materials and related applications. Currently, the research and development facility is working on a wide variety of projects, for example for optimizing the efficiency of biofuel engines and multi-fuel engines as well as new, sustainable materials and their applications.
MAHLE also sees hydrogen and hydrogen derivatives as a key factor for the de-fossilization of the road transport sector and is therefore working on all the major hydrogen engine projects that are currently in progress.
The use of hydrogen for power generation in fuel cells is a further technology which is interesting for the future of the commercial vehicle sector. At the same time, this sector will be a key factor in developing a hydrogen economy in view of its size and existing structures. MAHLE is currently participating in a large number of major development projects in Europe and Asia. Arnd Franz: “It will only be possible to embark on the future of the hydrogen economy without hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles if massive, risky state subsidies are made available.”
Technology needs reliable political conditions
Arnd Franz emphasized that the challenges arising in connection with climate goals could not be solved through technology alone. He said that reliable political conditions were needed.
As regards Europe, Franz called for an objective review of the CO₂ fleet regulation for heavy commercial vehicles. Ideally, this should be combined with the review of the AFIR (Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation) by the end of 2026. The objectives should be ambitious but should be aligned more closely with market reality, infrastructure and technical feasibility. “Technological diversity will be crucial,” said Franz. “Battery-electric vehicles, hydrogen and renewable fuels for internal combustion engines must be used together to reduce CO₂ emissions. Range extender systems should also be recognized pragmatically as a facilitator of electrification and taken into consideration in regulations.
Franz called for a reliable foundation for the market ramp-up of the various energy sources: charging infrastructure, hydrogen refueling stations and economically viable storage solutions were crucial prerequisites for the productive use of commercial vehicles.
He added that the examples of China and India showed that successful transformation was generated through the effective interaction of regulation, infrastructure, support and industrial policy. Europe should learn from these developments and turn more strongly towards an integrated approach, said: Franz.
“The transformation to climate-neutral road transport is technically feasible and can also be accomplished economically,” said the CEO. However, he added that this would only be possible if industry, government and customers acted together in a coordinated way. “At MAHLE, we contribute technological diversity and comprehensive systems competence to actively forge ahead with the transformation. The truck of the future will operate with MAHLE!“
