LS Electric to complete halogen-free switch across all insulation parts this year

Tightening environmental regulations are emerging as a new trade barrier in global power markets, prompting South Korean manufacturers to accelerate their shift to greener technologies. As Europe and other advanced economies push harder for non-toxic, low-carbon products under their carbon-neutrality agendas, domestic companies are moving preemptively to adopt eco-friendly materials in key components and secure an early foothold in those markets.

LS Electric has developed its own halogen-free insulating material suited for power equipment and has already applied it to select products, including molded-case circuit breakers and magnetic contactors, according to industry sources Wednesday. The company plans to complete a phased technology transition by the end of this year so that all insulation parts across its entire power equipment lineup can be produced using halogen-free materials.

Halogen-free materials are eco-friendly compounds that eliminate halogen elements — such as chlorine and bromine — which release toxic gases when products are disposed of or catch fire. Advanced markets, particularly in Europe, are increasingly strict about halogen-free compliance when approving power equipment. LS Electric said it is building its capabilities early — from material sourcing through to commercialization — so it can deliver fully compliant products the moment customers demand them.

LS Electric is pursuing the green transition in large-scale power infrastructure as well. The company completed a switch to vegetable-oil transformers in August last year, and this year it plans to transition to eco-friendly gas-insulated switchgear using g3 gas, a substitute for the greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). It is also replacing aging equipment with high-efficiency units in line with scheduled maintenance cycles.

However, these new eco-friendly materials and alternative gases carry higher costs, pushing up manufacturing expenses. LS Electric's approach is to supply halogen-free and eco-friendly gas-based products for orders from Europe, where regulations are strict, and from companies that prioritize environmental, social and governance standards — while continuing to offer conventional, proven materials in markets where regulatory requirements are lower and price competitiveness matters more. "The goal is to be able to respond in a tailored way to the diverse needs of global customers," a company official said.

The green push is spreading across the industry. Hyosung Heavy Industries holds technology for manufacturing vegetable-oil insulated transformers. In April, it became the first company in South Korea to develop and begin mass production of a 145kV circuit breaker using dry air instead of SF6, whose global warming potential is more than 20,000 times that of carbon dioxide. Hyosung Heavy Industries plans to extend its SF6-free circuit breaker lineup into higher-voltage ranges and strengthen its push into the next-generation power equipment market.

HD Hyundai Electric is also expanding its transformer lineup using natural and synthetic ester-based vegetable insulating oils in place of conventional mineral oil. Mineral oil, commonly used in large transformers, can contaminate soil when it leaks and is prone to fire due to its low flash point. Vegetable insulating oil, by contrast, biodegrades naturally if it leaks, poses a lower environmental risk and offers superior fire safety. The company is also stepping up exports of its 170kV eco-friendly gas-insulated switchgear, which eliminates SF6 entirely.