Meidensha Corporation has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BRUSH Group, a UK leader in energy management solutions, to establish a strategic partnership to supply its sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)-free high-voltage vacuum circuit breakers in the UK for the first time. The MOU was signed by Shinichiro Kon, Meidensha’s Managing Executive Officer, and Nicolas Pitrat, BRUSH Group’s Chief Executive Officer.
Under the MOU framework, Meidensha will eventually manufacture and supply its state-of-the-art 145kV SF6-free Circuit Breakers. As Meidensha’s UK partner, BRUSH Group will take responsibility for marketing, sales, local installation, testing, commissioning, and full lifecycle after-sales support.

At the signing ceremony

◼Combining Meidensha’s advanced high-voltage technology with BRUSH Group’s excellent service capabilities in the UK

This collaboration combines Meidensha’s advanced high-voltage technology with BRUSH’s established UK presence and experienced field engineering teams to deliver tangible benefits to DNOs*1 and TSOs*2 and independent network operators.
By leveraging BRUSH’s service capabilities, customers will benefit from agile and streamlined project execution and on-the-ground support, enhancing grid reliability, and providing dependable lifecycle support.

◼Innovative technology that supports the UK’s decarbonization

Meidensha is a historic pioneer in Vacuum Interrupter (VI) technology, having developed the world’s first 145kV-class VI in 1977. Building on this innovation, Meidensha delivered the world’s first 72.5kV SF6-free dead tank circuit breaker in 2004, followed by 145kV in 2022. Meidensha’s technology exclusively utilizes natural clean air (dry air) as an insulation medium, completely free of fluorinated gases (F-gases)*3 and achieving Zero Global Warming Potential (GWP=0).
Through its strategic partnership with BRUSH, Meidensha will bring eco-friendly products to the UK market, including high-voltage SF₆-free (F-gas-free and PFAS-free) circuit breakers, which it has an extensive track record of supplying in major international markets, including Japan, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.
The two companies will provide reliable, eco-friendly alternatives to conventional SF₆ circuit breakers, helping UK electricity grid operators achieve net-zero emissions. This partnership represents an important step towards accelerating the adoption of sustainable high-voltage technologies and supporting the UK’s transition to a more resilient, low-carbon electricity network.

◼About BRUSH Group

Founded in 1876, BRUSH Group is a leading UK engineering company with 150 years of heritage in energy management solutions. Headquartered in the UK, BRUSH combines deep industry expertise with an extensive national footprint to deliver critical infrastructure solutions and responsive local support.
Supporting the global transition to net-zero, BRUSH provides innovative, sustainable solutions that strengthen grid resilience, facilitate transport electrification, and maximise resource efficiency.

BRUSH Group website: www.brush.eu

*1 DNOs: Acronym for distribution network operators.
*2 TSOs: Acronym for transmission system operators.
*3 F-gases: A general term for fluorinated gases, including SF₆. Under the Regulation (EU) 2024/573, the use of F-gases in high-voltage switchgear
rated from 52 kV to 145 kV will be prohibited from January 1, 2028. Some F-gases are also classified as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The EU is considering regulating PFAS as a group.