Replaced 150 kv switchyard in Innertkirchen

The KWO is also making investments beyond the KWO plus investment program. For example, in a new switchyard in Innerkirchen which takes up a fraction of the old installation.

The characteristic metal frames of different switchyards are situated immediately behind the KWO headquarters. These installations connect the electricity produced by the KWO to the grid and ensure its transport to the consumers. 

The old 150 kilovolt switchyard which was built between 1930 and 1967 and took up 15'000 m3, has now been replaced with a new building with a surface area of only 450 m3. 

The reason being is the use of modern technology for the insulation of high tension apparatus. These were insulated through great distances which took up a great amount of space. Nowadays, these installations are encapsuled and insulated with a special SF6 gas.  
SF 6 – the short for for  sulphur-hexafluoride – is a colourless, odourless, non-toxic and non-flammable gas that, because of its extremely slow reactive inertia, is used as an insulating medium.