• Following the landmark Paris Agreement in 2015, governments across the globe set renewable energy targets to combat climate change.
• SF₆ is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential that is 25,200 times higher than CO₂.
• If the usage of SF₆ in MV switchgear is not curtailed in the near future, the electrical industry- already the largest consumer of SF₆- could become the largest emitter in the years to come.

Following the landmark , governments across the globe set renewable energy targets to combat climate change. The electrical industry, a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, is also participating in the global emissions reduction drive and pushing for the integration of renewables with the electricity grid. This is expected to curtail the detrimental impact of conventional fossil fuel-based electricity generation on the environment. According to the International Energy Agency, in 2021 alone, 295 GW of new renewable capacity was installed globally, despite challenges associated with supply chain disruptions, delays in construction, and spikes in the prices of materials.

Usage of SF₆-based Switchgear in the Renewable Sector

According to Power Technology Research, the annual sales of MV switchgear in 2021 stood at around USD 20 Billion, while 52% of the units sold were GIS. Out of these 52%-unit sales, 20% came from the renewable sector.  Within renewables, 70% of the switchgear that was used was GIS.

Due to the excellent dielectric properties of SF_6, which not only lead to reduction in the size of electrical equipment but also minimize the use of resources such as land and material, GIS across the globe have been utilizing it since the 1960s. Despite its uses, however, SF₆ is a potent greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential that is 25,200 times higher than CO₂.

SF₆ Emissions from the Renewable Sector

As per the forecasts of Power Technology Research, MV switchgear sales are expected to increase as all major countries across the globe are pushing to achieve their renewable generation capacity targets. The annual market for GIS-based MV switchgear in renewables is forecasted to grow with a CAGR of around 5%, on average, globally from 2021 to2027. Consequently, the share of SF₆ emissions from MV switchgear in the renewable sector will also increase. Thus, steep growth in the renewable sector, coupled with the continuous demand for compact MV switchgear in wind power make promoting the use of SF₆-free switchgear in the renewable sector a logical choice.

Possibility of the Renewable Sector Moving Towards Green Switchgear

During the review of the F-gas regulation (EU) No 517/2015 in 2022, the European Union proposed a ban on the usage of SF₆ in electrical equipment by 2031. It is of note that around 85% of all the SF₆ produced is used in the electric power industry and 90% of electrical equipment that utilizes SF₆ is switchgear. Switchgear manufacturers are rapidly moving to develop alternative solutions to SF₆ since the promulgation of EU’s F-gas regulation from 2015.  

The renewable sector’s ability to transition towards green switchgear will largely depend on if the EU goes ahead with the ban on the usage of F-gas in the electrical equipment as suggested in the proposal draft. It would also depend on how fast major market players in the global switchgear industry come up with a wide range of products in the switchgear category, especially in the high voltage range.

Looking Ahead

If the usage of SF₆ in MV switchgear is not curtailed in the near future, the electrical industry- already the largest consumer of SF₆- could become the largest emitter in the years to come. This is owing to the extended lifetime of switchgear; every unit installed in 2021 can potentially still be in operation in 2060. Overall, eyes are on the EU for the 2022 revision of the F-gas regulation, which would be a major factor in enforcing SF₆ alternatives, in addition to indirectly channeling private investments for further research and development in this regard. Renewables are a key driver for capacity additions in the switchgear category, even though they currently have a small installed base. The renewable sector will be the first to transition to SF₆-free alternatives, as this sector is keen on reducing GHG emissions and open to new technologies as compared to other application verticals.