COP29: Reduce SF6 Emissions

To mitigate its emissions, we need a global reporting scheme, the implementation of taxes, and a plan to phase out SF₆ in both new and existing plants. Additionally, investing in research to identify safe alternatives is important, ensuring we can replace SF₆ without compromising the power supply.

SINTEF is participating at COP as an independent observer, committed to advancing sustainable climate and energy solutions. To support this goal, we are providing advice to climate negotiators on 15 key areas with the potential to significantly reduce emissions.

• SINTEF’s  advice for COP29: Technology for a Faster Global Climate Transition

Recommendations for SF₆ reduction

• Establish global requirements for reporting acquisition, use and emissions of SF₆ from switchgear.
• Establish a globally coherent tax system.
• Create a global phase-out plan for the use of SF₆ in new and old switchgear.
• Increase research efforts on alternatives to SF₆ in new and existing electrical installations so that we limit increasing SF₆ use as a result of the increased electrification and large-scale grid development that will take place globally over the next few years.

Problem

SF₆ is the strongest greenhouse gas we know of, with a global warming potential (GWP) that is 24,300 times higher than CO₂, and an atmospheric lifetime of at least 1,000 years. SF₆ is produced synthetically for various purposes, and was previously used for a wide range of applications. However, its use is now largely limited as an insulating gas in electrical switchgear and to various purposes in the defence industry.

In cases where SF₆ is used in electrical switchgear (circuit breakers, gas-insulated switchgear, cable terminations, etc.), there are no established alternatives with comparable technical properties. There has been systematic work to reduce SF₆ leaks over the years, but for many grid companies, this is still their single largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. In particular, breakdowns or human error in connection with installation and repair are sources of extensive emissions.

Electrification of, among other things, formerly carbon-intensive industry and transport is expected to lead to a global doubling of electrical infrastructure worldwide until 2050. If this development takes place with existing technology, the amount of SF₆ will multiply, with associated increased emissions. The need for new grid systems is expected to be even greater in countries outside Europe.

The EU has set a plan for phasing out the use of SF₆ in new electrical installations by 2032 through the new F-gas regulation. The challenge with this plan is that there is currently only one or no supplier of alternative technology for some voltage levels.

There has been little discussion around the use of SF₆ in the defence industry, both in terms of area of use and volumes, as this is not reported in public registers. This is a problem because it makes it difficult to adopt a holistic approach to reducing emissions and phasing out SF₆.

Solution

Europe has led the way globally in setting requirements for the minimisation of leaks from electrical installations as well as reporting gas acquisitions, losses and disposal. In Norway, both gas emissions and acquisitions are heavily taxed as an incentive to reduce both use and emissions. Similar arrangements should be introduced globally. This will provide us with an overall overview of the extent of SF₆’s negative impact on the climate, and reduce its use.

Research into alternative technologies for SF₆-filled electrical installations must be intensified, while standardisation and experience exchange must be facilitated between users and suppliers in order to ensure a high security of supply for electrical energy, which usually takes significantly longer to phase in new technology.

Research into how alternative gases can be used to “retro-fill” existing SF₆-filled facilities will also be very important to accelerate the phase-out of SF₆, as it will take a long time to replace existing SF₆-insulated infrastructure with new technology.

Reporting on the use of SF₆ in the defence industry and research on sustainable alternatives will be crucial to obtaining a comprehensive overview of the use of and emissions from SF₆.

Main COP29 recommendation: International research communities and industrial partners are developing technologies to reduce emissions and advance the energy transition, and we strongly recommend establishing a global North-South R&D program with open, competitive calls to ensure a fair, accelerated path to a sustainable economy.