Increasing electrification and more renewables pose a challenge and an opportunity
The operational landscape for global and European electricity grid operators is undergoing a significant transformation. This is driven not only by strengthening environmental regulations but also by the fundamental shifts towards massive electrification of transport, heating, and industry, alongside the adoption of renewable energy sources.
Electricity consumption increased by about 7% year on year in both 2023 and 2024, according to International Energy Agency. The projection for the next three years (2025-2027) indicates a 6% increase in electricity demand1. Long-term, electricity is expected to gain momentum globally, reaching around 45% share in energy consumption globally in 2050 compared to 21% currently2. 50% of additional electricity demand set to come from industry3. At the same time, in the electricity sector, the renewable energy share is forecast to expand from 30% in 2023 to 46% in 20304.
Why SF₆ phase-out is critical
These megatrends are necessary to achieve climate goals, but they also require expansion and modernization of our electrical distribution network, making the environmental credentials of its components more important than ever. Against this backdrop, the revised EU F-gas Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/573), formally adopted in early 2024, establishes a clear mandate to phase out the use of fluorinated gases (F-gases). This includes Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF₆), a gas prevalent in high voltage (HV) and medium voltage (MV) electrical switchgear for decades. 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 heat in the atmosphere as 24,300 kilograms of CO₂ over a century. Compounding this issue is its atmospheric persistence; SF₆ remains in the atmosphere for around 1,000 years. The most critical deadline is fast approaching: from January 1 2026, new MV switchgear rated up to and including 24kV that contains SF₆ will be prohibited across all EU Member States.
Energy transition provides an opportunity to make the right choices
For grid operators managing the significant infrastructure build-out required by extensive electrification, growing demand for electricity, and the integration of renewables adoption, the transition away from SF₆ extends beyond regulatory compliance. The sheer volume of new switchgear needed for grid expansion makes the choice of technology environmentally significant. Continued reliance on such a high-GWP gas represents a significant environmental liability that also increasingly impacts corporate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance metrics. Therefore, proactively adopting SF₆-free technologies, especially during this period of grid development, is a tangible action that supports decarbonization goals, reduces environmental footprint, and strengthens a company’s ESG profile, signaling responsible governance and a commitment to a sustainable energy future.
Case Study: EAM Netz adopts SF₆-free MV ahead of regulatory deadline
EAM Netz, a major municipal grid operator in Germany, is moving decisively towards a sustainable energy future. The company defines its mission as ‘supplying secure energy to up to 1.4 million people’. EAM Netz manages a network infrastructure spanning 50,000 kilometers of electricity and natural gas lines. Guided by their motto “close, natural, sustainable,” the company is prioritizing advancements in the energy transition, particularly by integrating the growing influx of renewable energy. As a grid operator located within the EU, preparing its network for these future energy demands, the shift required by the F-gas regulation is of significant importance to EAM Netz. The company decided to proactively implement SF₆-free switchgear at the substation in Dörnhagen, aligning regulatory compliance with the goals of grid modernization and sustainability.
EAM Netz implemented this SF₆-free MV in a pilot project at its Dörnhagen switchgear station, installing 11 cubicles of GM AirSeT. This early adoption not only ensures compliance with the upcoming regulation, but also provides valuable experience with the new technology. The project successfully integrated the technology into the existing infrastructure without costly modifications, thanks to its familiar operations and compact footprint.
Christian Geitz Project Manager at EAM Netz highlighted the partnership’s value: “With Schneider Electric, EAM has an expert partner for innovative solution concepts. Together, innovative technologies for complex issues are developed and introduced into the distribution network. In this way, Schneider Electric can support EAM in driving the energy transition locally and creating innovative solutions.
EAM Netz partnered with Schneider Electric to collaborate on tackling this challenge, based on decades of successful work together. This collaboration demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation. The partnership continues to be crucial as EAM Netz pursues its goal of climate neutrality.
EAM Netz turns the SF₆-free mandate into a strategic value
At the core of the project implemented at EAM Netz is Schneider Electric’s GM AirSeT™ technology. This innovative SF₆-free MV primary switchgear utilizes pure air for insulation combined with vacuum interruption for breaking. It delivers the same reliability and performance as traditional SF₆ switchgear but without its negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, GM AirSeT is part of the EcoStruxure architecture, offering advanced digital monitoring capabilities and IoT-enabled sensors for real-time health insights, enhancing reliability and minimizing downtime risks.
The confluence of the EU F-gas Regulation and the increasing demands of electrification and renewables integration presents a defining moment for European grid leadership. The phase-out of SF₆ is not merely a compliance challenge; it is a strategic inflection point. As the EAM Netz and Schneider Electric collaboration demonstrates SF₆-free technologies like AirSeT are available today. They offer a pathway to meet regulatory requirements while simultaneously advancing decarbonization goals and enhancing grid modernization efforts through digital capabilities. The transition is necessary to ensure network resilience, demonstrate responsible governance, and maintain competitive advantage. With the January 2026 deadline coming up fast and the huge need to update the grid, now’s the time to work this important change into our planning and overall network strategy.
Discover how EAM Netz is embracing the SF₆-free transition: Read the full report now.
Learn how to interpret the regulation and its implications for business and grid operators: Decoding the EU F-gas Regulation.
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