Gas-insulated substations (GIS)

Gas-Insulated Substations (GIS)

Gas-insulated substations (GIS) are a modern type of electrical substation that utilize SF6 gas to insulate energized components within a compact, sealed system. Compared to traditional air-insulated substations, GIS facilities require significantly less space and can be constructed indoors, making them an ideal solution for dense urban environments, environmentally sensitive areas, and locations where land availability is limited. Their reduced footprint, enhanced safety, and long-term reliability make gas-insulated substations a critical part of today’s evolving power infrastructure.

As energy demand continues to rise nationwide, utilities, manufacturers, and energy providers are increasingly turning to GIS technology to modernize aging infrastructure and support new generation assets, including large-scale generator installations and renewable energy integration. Major players across the energy sector, such as Mitsubishi Electric Power Products, First Energy, and PG&E, are investing heavily in advanced switchgear and substation technologies to improve grid resilience, reliability, and performance.

In October 2024, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced an investment of more than $6.7 million to support the growth of Mitsubishi Electric Power Products (MEPPI) and the construction of an advanced switchgear manufacturing facility in Southwestern Pennsylvania. One of the key products manufactured at this facility will be gas-insulated circuit breakers, further strengthening domestic GIS production capabilities and reinforcing Pennsylvania’s role in the national energy supply chain.

This investment aligns with the Commonwealth’s ten-year strategic economic development plan covering 2024 through 2033, which prioritizes energy innovation, manufacturing growth, and infrastructure modernization. The expansion of GIS manufacturing in Pennsylvania reflects a broader nationwide push to upgrade substations that serve utilities, industrial facilities, and regions impacted by energy-intensive operations such as fracking, where reliable, compact, and safe electrical infrastructure is essential.

The construction of new gas-insulated substations, as well as the conversion or hybridization of existing substations to GIS, can significantly reduce land use, improve operational efficiency, and lower overall environmental impact. By minimizing material requirements and supporting cleaner, more efficient power distribution, GIS substations play a role in reducing carbon footprint while meeting the demands of a rapidly electrifying economy.

At Steelsmith, we are proud to support this transition by providing pre-engineered steel building solutions specifically designed for gas-insulated substation enclosures. Our buildings offer a durable and cost-effective envelope solution for GIS facilities serving utility providers, energy producers, and grid operators across the United States. We collaborate closely with contractors, developers, and energy companies to deliver structures that meet the stringent requirements of modern substation design.

From early-stage planning through completed construction, Steelsmith brings proven expertise, responsive service, and reliable building systems to every project. As organizations like First Energy, PG&E, and leading manufacturers continue to expand and modernize the nation’s electrical infrastructure, Steelsmith stands ready to deliver an extraordinary building experience for gas-insulated substations and other critical energy sector facilities.

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