Team insight

As technology advances and energy demands continue to rise, the infrastructure behind the UK’s power network must evolve too. At the same time, available land is often limited, creating additional pressure on project design and delivery. One solution helping to address these challenges is Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS), an area in which Primary Power brings extensive expertise.

GIS is a compact, metal-enclosed high-voltage switchgear system that uses insulating gas, traditionally sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), to separate live electrical components from the grounded enclosure. Its small footprint makes it particularly valuable where space is constrained. Primary Power is currently supporting a range of schemes across the UK, helping clients integrate GIS effectively

Why GIS matters

Steve Crawford, Managing Director at Primary Power, shares his perspective on what GIS offers and why it matters:

“GIS is a neat, compact solution that helps the industry respond to emerging needs and address key challenges, particularly where space is limited or security of supplies is paramount. The Primary Power team is highly experienced in GIS and understands how to integrate it efficiently and effectively.

“We support clients across the full project lifecycle, from outline design and equipment selection through to detailed design, project management and commissioning. This end-to-end involvement helps clients navigate the complexities of GIS integration and unlock the value it can deliver.”

The far-reaching benefits of GIS

GIS offers many advantages for modern power networks:

· A smaller footprint: Ideal for sites where land is scarce or costly; a challenge that will intensify with the growth of data centres and shifting energy demands.

· Lifecycle value: While GIS can be more expensive upfront than Air-Insulated Switchgear (AIS), it typically delivers better long-term lifecycle costs.

· Reduced environmental impact: Historically, building new substations required new land, often affecting local environments. GIS allows more equipment to be installed within existing sites once older sites are decommissioned, saving time, cost, planning, effort and resources.

As Steve highlights:

“There is an increasing demand for GIS as the UK moves towards decarbonisation. Many are attempting to squeeze more equipment in a small space. With GIS, existing sites can often accommodate new infrastructure, reduce environmental impact and support a more sustainable approach.”

Supporting the shift to clean gas

Another major advantage of GIS is its role in enabling the transition to clean-gas technologies. Traditionally, GIS uses SF6 for insulation. In response to global climate regulations, the industry is now moving toward alternatives such as clean air, CO₂ based mixtures and new fluorinated molecules.

Steve explains this further:

“Here at Primary Power, we understand the need for this shift. We’ve used our knowledge and expertise to help clients adopt GIS solutions that meet both current requirements and adhere to future regulatory expectations.”

Looking ahead: The future of GIS

Steve shares his thoughts on how GIS will evolve:

“While GIS might not transform the industry overnight, it will play a crucial role in supporting the UK’s growing energy needs. With demand for data centres rising and the grid evolving to support decarbonisation, GIS offers a practical, space-efficient and future-ready solution.”

Primary Power look forward to continuing to support clients across their schemes, to bring the full benefits of GIS technology to life. To find out more about Primary Power’s work in action, visit the services page here.