Sulphur hexafluoride or SF6 is used as an insulating and switching medium in equipment in the electrical industry. Due to its very high global warming potential (GWP; 1kg SF6 = 23,500 kg CO2-eq), SF6 must be replaced in order to support and achieve Germany's climate targets. As a result, massive investments have been made across manufacturers in the development of SF6 alternatives and strict management of SF6 gas has been introduced by the transmission system operators.
The update of the EU regulation for F-gases (EU Regulation 517/2014) also addresses this issue. This has sparked a new discussion in the industry regarding the maximum permissible climate impact ("global warming potential" or "GWP" for short) of the respective alternative technologies. The transmission system operators want to switch quickly and comprehensively to the alternative technologies in projects that are necessary for the implementation of the energy transition and have developed a joint medium and long-term view to support the discussions (see below).
The core statements are included:
- The long-term goal of the transmission system operators is the exclusive use of natural gases as an alternative to SF6.
- The transmission system operators are striving to pilot SF6-free alternative technologies in order to minimize greenhouse gas emissions quickly, comprehensively and sustainably.
Below you can download the position papers of the four transmission system operators on the F-Gas Regulation, SF6-free technology and alternative gases.