Data Centers need more power and less CO2e
The ongoing expansion of digital services and the growing field of artificial intelligence are fueling rapid growth in the data center sector. Industry forecasts suggest significant expansion in European data center capacity in the coming years. This strong growth translates directly into a significant increase in electricity demand. For instance, the International Energy Agency (IEA) notes that data center electricity consumption in Europe, which was about 100 TWh in 2022, is forecast to rise to almost 150 TWh by 2026 – a nearly 50% increase in just four years, even before fully accounting for widespread AI adoption. As a result, in addition to new power generation capacity, we see a need for new electrical infrastructure, particularly substations, to power these digital hubs. However, as we build this capacity, the environmental impact must be considered.
Ban on F-gases in the EU impacts power infrastructure
This is especially relevant with the European Union’s F-gas Regulation quickly approaching its January 1, 2026, deadline for new medium-voltage (MV) switchgear up to 24kV to be free of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) and other F-gases. SF6 has been integral to the electrical sector due to its superior dielectric properties and arc-quenching abilities, which are crucial because electrical circuits can generate powerful arcs during normal operation or faults. SF6 effectively extinguishes these arcs, to safely and reliably stop the flow of electricity at grid voltage levels and prevent damage to equipment or power outages. However, SF6 is the most potent greenhouse gas. According to the IPCC’s Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), SF₆ has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 24,300 over a 100-year period. This means one kilogram of SF6 traps the same amount of atmospheric heat as 24,300 kilograms of CO2 over a century. This negative impact is further aggravated by its persistence in the atmosphere.
SF6 is one of the major greenhouse gases targeted by the Kyoto Protocol and now by the F-gas Regulation in the EU due to its high climate warming potency and the risks linked to its lifecycle, including potential leakages and emissions at the end of life. According to research, globally up to 40% of SF6 could be released due to improper or lack of recapture procedures. The EU F-gas Regulation directly tackles this by banning new SF6-based MV switchgear up to 24kV from January 1, 2026, within the 27 EU countries. This is part of a wider phase-out, with further bans expected for higher voltage equipment, up to 52kV around 2030. Other governments are also taking action; for instance, California and New York State have put restrictions in place, and the State Grid Corporation of China (SGCC) mandates a portion of MV switchgear to be SF6-free, even in the absence of a national ban. This global momentum underscores the broader shift away from this greenhouse gas. This regulatory change offers an opportunity to modernize power systems, improve operational efficiency, meet sustainability targets, and build up positioning in a market where environmental responsibility creates a business advantage.
The strategic value of SF6-free equipment for Data Centers
The benefits of adopting SF6-free technology go beyond just meeting the regulatory requirements. Deployment of SF6-free MV improves a data center’s sustainability profile, a key factor for meeting corporate environmental goals and the stricter requirements of anchor tenants. Market research increasingly shows that sustainability is a significant competitive differentiator when selecting a DC service provider. For instance, over 89% of organizations consider the efficiency and sustainability of their data centers very or somewhat important, with 21.9% stating environmental sustainability is already a significant driver of IT spending. The Europe Green Data Center Market was valued at USD 21.8 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 64.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 19.9%.
Moving away from SF6 offers benefits by eliminating the high end-of-life recycling costs linked to SF6 gas, which can range from 10-20% of the initial equipment cost. This leads to a lower total cost of ownership, with potential savings of 20-30% over the equipment’s lifecycle.
For data center developers and operators, the imperative is to act now as the 2026 deadline quickly approaches. In the context of compliance with the F-gas Regulation tomorrow is already late. Data center leaders should now partner with experienced suppliers who not only master the new technologies but also possess deep knowledge of the utility landscape—where SF6-free transition is well underway—and the specific operational demands of data centers. With its decades-long legacy in electrification and working with electric distribution industry, Schneider Electric is uniquely positioned to facilitate and navigate the change for data centers and other industries.
How pure air technology is replacing SF6
MV switchgear manufacturing sector has been preparing for this change for a long time, and proven alternative MV technologies are now available. Schneider Electric has invested over a decade in research and development to offer SF6-free MV solutions, like AirSeT range of switchgear, which uses pure air for insulating and vacuum technology for breaking, rather than the GHG SF6. This innovation delivers high performance and compact size, but is more sustainable than traditional SF6 switchgear. The AirSeT technology is specifically designed to ensure a smooth transition for operators, keeping the same operational footprint and user experience as the older SF6-based equipment. This focus on operational continuity reduces the need for extensive retraining and avoids disruption to critical services. Additionally, these new technologies support circularity as they have a longer operational lifespan, increasing from 30 to 40 years. They are also reinforced with high-performance components to accommodate pressure coming from increased operations, from 1,000 up to 10,000, required by intermittent electricity generation, like solar and wind. The deployment of over 40,000 such SF6-free MV units globally by Schneider Electric alone shows the readiness and reliability of these technologies.
Get your Data Center ready for an SF6-free future.
To discover more about the F-gas regulation impact and what steps to take watch the webinar: Are data centers ready for Europe’s 2026 F-gas Regulation?
Learn how to interpret the regulation and its implications for data centers and other industries: Decoding the EU F-gas Regulation.
About the author
Stephane Lucas
SF6-Free Commercial Program Leader
Stephane Lucas joined Schneider Electric in 1995 and is SF6-Free Commercial Program Leader, within Power Systems and Services Division for Energy Management Business since September 2019.
Prior to his current role, Stephane was Strategic Account within Power and Grid Segment organization. His career has developed mostly around the power business in medium voltage electrical distribution, in operational marketing, business development, and sales functions in France and in the Middle East. From manufacturing plants to front offices operations, he likes to put the client at the center of its operations.
Stephane is a graduate from ESSCA School of Management and holds a master’s degree in management. He speaks French, English, and Spanish.
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