SF6 or sulfur hexafluoride is a colorless, odorless, synthetic gas. It has a profound chemical robustness that protects it from reaction. Its high dielectric strength, which increases further under pressure, makes it an excellent electrical insulator.
According to the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, SF6 tops the list of the most potent greenhouse gases with a global warming potential 25,200 times greater than that of CO2 over a 100-year period. As it is not absorbed or destroyed naturally, SF6 can remain active in the atmosphere for up to 3,200 years. In addition, there are health and safety issues concerning toxic byproducts that result from arcs, discharges, and sparks on SF6.
In the 2014 update of the F-gas Regulation, the EU banned the use of SF₆ in the manufacture of many common items, including tennis balls, sports shoes, car tires, and double-glazed windows. The EU comission decided against a ban of SF6 in switchgear, claiming that there were no widespread cost-effective, technically feasible, energy-efficient and reliable alternatives. This legislation foresees a full ban on 24 kV medium voltage switchgear relying on F-gases in 2026, with a phase-out by 2030 of switchgear with 36 kV.
Even with the ban for all other applications, scientific studies show that the concentration of SF₆ gas in the atmosphere continues to rise - a trend that is likely to accelerate due to the ever increasing demand for energy.
The global gas insulated switchgear market for medium voltage is forecast to grow over 8% per annum through 2022. In certain markets, minimizing or eliminating SF6 emissions is increasingly prioritized. However, currently even best practices are self-imposed and not widespread due to scant legal obligation on SF6 emissions. Since switchgear typically has a lifetime of 40-50 years, it is critical to act now. Eaton, along with many other industry voices, is calling for an immediate ban of SF6 gas in medium voltage switchgear up to 36kV.
The realities of climate change are influencing the adoption of more sustainable solutions across all industries. In the 10 in 10 #podcast, our experts provide insights on the importance of adopting SF6-free alternatives to traditional switchgear. Listen now.
I will tell you, everyone in this industry knows you can do this; there is not a technical reason not to do it. It's not really economic; it's more a question that change takes effort and if you don't have to, you won't do it.
SF₆-free alternatives exist in the market, such as vacuum technology that Eaton pioneered 60 years ago. This isn’t a new technology.
For example, Eaton’s Xiria ring main unit was launched in 2002 and over 150,000 units have been sold since then, proving the market's trust in SF6-free technology. Using vacuum as the switching medium and solid epoxy resin for the insulation, the equipment is as compact or more compact than equivalent gas-insulated alternatives.
Are you curious about how the total cost of ownership of our green switchgear compares to SF₆ gas filled alternatives? Use our calculator to find out!
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