In the landscape of technological development in power equipment, gas - insulated switchgear (GIS) and vacuum - insulated switchgear have emerged as two highly  focal points, representing significant directions for the industry's advancement.

In terms of market share, GIS firmly holds a dominant position with approximately 46% of the market. Its unique compact design significantly saves space, which is particularly valuable in the current situation where urban land resources are scarce. At the same time, GIS's high reliability enables it to operate stably under various complex environmental conditions. Whether it is dealing with the dense circuit layout in urban substations or in special environments with limited space, GIS can handle it with ease, making it the preferred equipment for many power projects.

However, while GIS shines brightly, vacuum - insulated switchgear is rising rapidly in a noticeable trend. Analysis reports from Research Nester indicate that vacuum switchgear has many remarkable advantages, which are driving its rapid expansion in the market. Firstly, its maintenance requirements are extremely low, meaning that power enterprises can significantly reduce maintenance costs and labor input, improving operational efficiency. Secondly, its excellent arc - extinguishing performance allows the vacuum switchgear to quickly cut off the current when dealing with circuit failures, ensuring the safe and stable operation of the power system. More importantly, vacuum insulation has a unique advantage in environmental protection. It does not require the use of gases with strong greenhouse effects such as sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), which is highly consistent with the increasingly stringent global environmental policies and conforms to the green trend of the times.

China has also keenly captured this trend. In January 2025, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, jointly with four other departments, issued the "Catalog of Low - Carbon Technologies Promoted Nationally (Fifth Batch)". Among them, the 126kV fluorine - free and environmentally friendly gas - insulated metal - enclosed switchgear using a vacuum interrupter as the breaking unit was clearly listed as a demonstration technology in the energy green - low - carbon transformation category. This measure not only reflects the country's high recognition of vacuum insulation technology but also injects a boost into the research, development, and promotion of related enterprises, indicating that vacuum - insulated switchgear will have a broader development space in the future power market.

It can be foreseen that while GIS continues to play its dominant role, vacuum - insulated switchgear, with its unique advantages, will set off a new wave of change in the power equipment market. The two will jointly drive the power industry towards a more efficient and environmentally friendly direction.