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 is assessing the availability of SF6 alternatives and is giving an evaluation for a potential SF6 phase out.
3M™ Novec™ Insulating Gas – a sustainable alternative to SF6
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).
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:
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.
AirPlus™, using 3M Novec 5110 as an eco-efficient SF6 alternative, has been developed by ABB.
Today, AirPlus™ has been 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.
Hitachi-ABB Power Grids is using AirPlus™ in High Voltage GIS for 145kV as well as for a 380kV substation upgrade to be completed in 2026.
Visit the ABB AirPlus web page
Read the EWZ Case Study
Read the TransnetBW Case Study
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.
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.
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.
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.
Visit our website to learn more about 3M™ Novec™ Insulating Gases
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