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Why the potent greenhouse gas SF6 should be banned

Our ‘Did you know?’ videos about SF6 explain why this fluorinated gas (f-gas for short), which is used for insulation in electrical switchgear and power distribution, is harmful for the climate. Also known as sulphur hexafluoride, it is a much more potent greenhouse gas than CO2 and was therefore generally banned in the EU in 2015, with the exception of industrial switchgear. Ironically, despite the hazard it poses for the environment, SF6 is used in renewable energy technology, from which it can leak into the atmosphere, where it will remain for over 3,000 years. With the expansion of renewable energy generation, the demand for this climate change-inducing gas may actually go up. But things don’t need to be this way, as Eaton has been demonstrating for over 60 years, with more than a million SF6-free switchgear panels sold to date. Eaton’s SF6-free switchgear is air-insulated, making it much more environmentally friendly. Our latest vacuum-insulated versions are safe, reliable, compact and intuitive to use, making them ideal for applications such as wind turbines and solar parks. In addition, the EU is currently reviewing its F-Gas Regulation from a climate change perspective, which may result in a ban on SF6 in circuit breakers and other switching devices in the near future. For all of these reasons, we urgently need to switch to SF6-free alternatives.

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Tap into our knowledge about SF₆-free switchgear. Our experts have been working in the green switching market for decades and share their expertise on topics such as smart grids, sustainability, circular economies, and alternatives to SF₆ switchgear. Discover more about SF₆ and why it’s time to embrace viable alternatives in the switchgear market. Find out why Eaton’s Xiria, a solid insulated switchgear system for secondary distribution, proves that compact solutions are also available without the need for SF₆ and learn how Xiria’s state-of-the-art design does not allow environmental factors like dust, dirt, salt, and humidity to affect the performance of the equipment. Learn more about the circular economy and how it impacts the environment and gain in-depth knowledge about the different types of insulation.