A paper co-authored by Tomoya Onishi of Toshiba Corporation and researchers from Chubu Electric Power Grid Co., Inc.,titled “Evaluation of Current Switching Performance with Synthetic-Air Disconnector and Earthing Switch,” received a Best Paper Award in Study Committee A3 (Transmission and Distribution Equipment) at the CIGRE Paris Session 2026 held in Paris, France. Out of 113 papers submitted to the A3 study committee, only three were selected for this prestigious award.

The awarded paper focuses on the development of SF₆-free gas-insulated switchgear (GIS) utilizing synthetic air, a promising environmentally friendly alternative to sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), a gas with a very high global warming potential. The paper evaluates the current switching performance of disconnectors (DS) and earthing switches (ES), which are two essential components of GIS, and identifies both the technical challenges and future opportunities for practical deployment of SF₆-free equipment.

The research was conducted in collaboration with Chubu Electric Power Grid Co., Inc. to support the broader adoption of synthetic-air insulated equipment. By publishing the findings through CIGRE, the authors aimed to share valuable technical knowledge with the global power community and contribute to advancing international understanding of SF₆ alternative technologies and sustainable transmission and distribution equipment. The paper was recognized as a significant contribution to the future development and practical adoption of SF₆-free GIS technologies.

As the global power industry accelerates its transition toward SF₆-free technologies, this award demonstrates international recognition of Toshiba's technological contributions to sustainable transmission and distribution equipment.

Toshiba will continue to advance innovative and environmentally responsible solutions that contribute to a carbon-neutral society while strengthening its global presence in next-generation grid technologies.

CIGRE (International Council on Large Electric Systems) is one of the world's leading international organizations dedicated to electric power systems. It brings together utilities, manufacturers, research institutes, and universities to address technical challenges and share innovations that support the future of the global power industry.