3M™ Novec™ Insulating Gas – Sustainable SF₆ alternative

EU report on SF₆ alternatives and potential SF₆ phase out
The EU Commission (DG CLIMA ) has issued a new report on Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF₆) alternatives and potential SF₆ phase out scenarios related to the so-called F-gas regulation (EU Regulation 517/2014). Usage of SF₆ has been banned already in multiple applications with electrical equipment being excluded from these restrictions up to now. The EU report (PDF 319 KB) is assessing the availability of SF₆ alternatives and is giving an evaluation for a potential SF₆ phase out.

EU stakeholder workshop discussing SF₆ phase out scenarios
In a next step the EU Commission (DG CLIMA ) has invited related stakeholder including member states, switchgear OEM’s, utilities and NGO’s to discuss potential SF₆ phase out timings. The workshop is based on the 2020 EU report and additional input the commission has received via direct consultation with related stakeholders. It is expected that the commission will issue a proposal for the revised F-gas regulation by the end of 2021 and the regulation will take effect end of 2022/beginning of 2023. It is therefore time to act and to start implementing suitable SF₆ alternatives!

Herobanner showing leaves and SF₆ symbols

Are you ready for an SF₆ phase out?

3M™ Novec™ Insulating Gas – a sustainable alternative to SF₆

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Replacing SF₆ in electrical gas-insulated switchgear - Impact analysis for EU 28

In addition, a recent study conducted by the University of Antwerp concluded that the reported SF₆ stock and emissions are significantly underestimated. The study also provides an estimate of CO₂ eq savings for potential SF₆ phase out scenarios using the example of a 145kV Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS).

Infographic: Replacing SF6 in electrical gas-insulated switchgear (PDF, 847 KB) - Impact analysis for EU 28 based on an independent study from the University of Antwerp

Impact analysis by the University of Antwerp /EN

3M Novec Insulating Gases – smart, safe, sustainable

Novec Insulating Gases are the ideal SF₆ alternative as they combine excellent dielectric performance and safety with exceptional environmental properties. Used as part of a gas mixture, Novec Insulating Gases reduce the greenhouse gas potential by more than 99% in on-grid commercial equipment.

Our partners are using Novec Insulating Gases as part of their SF₆ free products in multiple medium- and high-voltage applications going back to first installations in 2015:

GE’s g³™ using 3M™ Novec™ 4710 Insulating Gas

g³, (pronounced "g" cubed) is GE's game-changing alternative to SF₆ gas, developed for HV electrical transmission equipment and is using 3M Novec 4710.

g³ products feature the same ratings and same dimensional footprint as the state-of-the-art SF₆ ones, with a drastically reduced environmental impact.

Visit the GE g³ web page

EconiQ™ by Hitachi ABB Power Grids using 3M™ Novec™ 4710 Insulating Gas

EconiQ™ is Hitachi ABB Power Grids’ eco-efficient portfolio for sustainability where products, services and solutions are proven to deliver exceptional environmental performance.

Visit the Hitachi ABB Power Grid EqoniQ web page
AirPlus™ using 3M™ Novec™ 5110 Insulating Gas

AirPlus™, using 3M Novec 5110 as an eco-efficient SF₆ alternative, has been developed by ABB.

Today, AirPlus™ is being used in Medium Voltage by ABB AG in MV Primary GIS up to 40.5kV and in MV Secondary GIS and AIS up to 24kV.

Visit the ABB AirPlus web page

Installations using 3M Novec Insulating Gas

In total, more than 25 installations are already running or are currently being installed in Europe by multiple leading Transmission and Distribution System Operators (TSO’s and DSO’s) which make Novec Insulating Gases a well proven SF₆ alternative.

Could Novec Insulating Gas improve your Greenhouse Gas Emissions?

If you have any further questions or if you would like to receive more information on Novec Insulating Gases from us in the future, please click the link to go to our form.

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An SF₆ alternative designed to reduce greenhouse gas impact by more than 99%

Want to learn more about our Novec Insulating Gases?

3M Novec Insulating Gases for the electric power industry

Make a meaningful change for the future of our planet. Choose Novec Insulating Gases as an alternative to SF₆, the potent greenhouse gas commonly used to insulate and protect medium- and high-voltage electric transmission and distribution infrastructure.

Novec Insulating Gases for electric power industry
3M Novec 4710 Insulating Gas

This product was specifically developed to be a sustainable alternative to SF₆ when used in its pure form or as part of a gas mixture, providing excellent dielectric properties and a wide margin of safety.

Download Novec 4710 data sheet (PDF, 255 KB)

Learn more about Novec 4710 Insulating Gas
3M Novec 5110 Insulating Gas

This product is a low global warming potential (GWP) alternative to SF₆, with strong dielectric properties and a wide margin of safety, developed to be mixed with other carrier gases when used for power equipment applications.

Download Novec 5110 data sheet (PDF, 161 KB)

Learn more about Novec 5110 Insulating Gas

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