For Green Energy, it’s Time to Leave F-Gases Behind Us – and Fast

April 6, 2022 | 3758 views

The EU Commission announced its new policy proposal on fluorinated greenhouse gases like SF₆. What’s it say?

A new package from Brussels includes a proposal to move the electricity industry away from the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases like sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆). This latest package recognizes the fact that if we want our electricity to become truly green, then removing F-gases is a fundamental step that needs to be taken quickly.

What is the issue with F-gases, and SF6 in particular?

F-gases are man-made greenhouse gases (GHG) that have a large carbon footprint, which contributes to global warming. They’re used in a wide range of industrial applications, including refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, medical applications, and electrical equipment.

SF₆ is the most potent F-gas, in fact the most potent GHG of all, and has a global warming potential (GWP) that is 23,500 times higher than CO₂. It has been used for decades in medium voltage (MV) switchgear, which is incredibly common electrical equipment that also has a long lifespan, up to 30 years. SF₆ has been the go-to gas for switchgear because it’s non-toxic, stable, and provides a reliable, high-performing, and economical solution for electrical insulation and current interruption.

But its major environmental downside cannot be ignored any longer, and this is what the EU is recognizing now.

But aren’t F-gases like SF₆ already regulated in Europe?

Yes, to some extent, but not for every application. Certain existing regulations in Europe and other parts of the world already address the monitoring, reporting, and recovery of f-gases. The EU has adopted two legislative acts to reduce f-gases: the F-Gas Regulation, which is an EU-wide hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) phase-down aimed at reducing F-gas emissions and mitigating global warming, and the passenger car-specific MAC Directive.

SF₆ in particular has already been banned in the EU under the F-Gas Regulation, except in the industries where there were few suitable alternatives available, especially the electricity industry.

What’s changed that makes it possible to move beyond SF6 in electrical equipment?

Because now we can. There is no longer a technological barrier to eliminating SF6 in MV electrical installations. There is also no need to use any other fluorinated gases to replace SF₆, since they could have unknown risks or be subject to other legislation down the road.

I’m proud that at Schneider Electric, we’ve moved beyond F-gases. We’ve innovated beyond SF₆ with replacement technology that is already available and proven. Rather than using SF₆ or an alternative F-gas, we’re using pure air and vacuum technology for insulating and breaking. SF₆-free MV switchgear is a superior choice not only for the environment, but also for operational safety, which is always our first priority, where we are never willing to compromise. After that, we also see big improvements in ease-of-maintenance, end-of-life treatment, functionality and performance, not to mention future policy compliance.

My company has spent a decade testing it and perfecting this new SF₆-free equipment before rolling it out to customers, such as E.ON, EEC Engie, and Green Alp, over two years ago.

How will the EU’s policy affect those who use MV switchgear?

As I see it, the EU’s policy proposal will bring big benefits to stakeholders with minimal inconvenience. That’s because SF6-free MV switchgear like ours, which uses pure air instead of SF6, has the same positive characteristics of traditional switchgear, such as high performance and a compact physical footprint. Also important for users is its lower total cost of ownership thanks to a much longer equipment life.

Let’s take a look at some specific sectors that will be affected:

Buildings: Buildings – both commercial and industrial – are subject to strict sustainability standards. Using SF₆-free switchgear is an opportunity to meet these goals and to work toward accolades such as achieving LEED certification. In addition, buildings are already moving from LV to MV to support fast electric vehicle charging, so they could go SF₆ free from the start.
eMobility: By choosing an electric vehicle, drivers are already making a green transportation choice. SF₆-free MV switchgear supports an even more environmentally friendly EV charging experience at the charging point. Using green switchgear also future proofs EV charging stations for potential sustainability standard requirements.
Grids: We’re decarbonizing the full electricity value chain, not just the generation, by moving to a network that’s also decarbonized. When you’re integrating DERs, it only makes sense to also use green switchgear, especially with the technology specifically designed for grids of the future, which contain many more renewables and more frequent switching operations.
Data centers: Data centers are one of the most energy-intensive types of buildings. New technology innovations, such as SF₆-free switchgear, can help data centers reduce their GHG footprint.