Navigating the shift to SF₆-free switchgear in the EU: a guide for asset managers

For asset managers at electrical utilities who need to understand how and when to change their approach to using switchgear that relies on sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) gas, the latest regulatory developments in the European Union (EU) mean they will have a lot to think about in 2024.

As the world grapples with the task of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, the electrical industry faces meaningful change in the manufacturing of switchgear where SF₆ gas had been used routinely up until now. SF₆ is an extremely potent synthetic greenhouse gas that lasts for thousands of years in the atmosphere, with every 1 kg of SF₆ equating to the emission of 24,300 kg of CO2.

In this article, we examine the latest developments in SF₆ legislation, explore the essential information that asset managers need to know, and set out the considerations they must keep in mind to navigate the gradual phase-out of switchgear that relies on SF₆ in Europe.

New F-Gas Regulation

The EU has been driving regulations to mitigate the climate impact of all types of fluorinated gases (F-gases) - including the use of SF₆ in switchgear - by revising existing legislative frameworks. That process concluded on January 29, 2024, when the Council of the EU announced it had greenlighted new regulations to phase down F-gases to limit their contribution to global warming, in line with the Paris Agreement. 

These new rules on the use of SF₆ in switchgear have been evolving for some time, but it was only by late 2023 that the European Council and Parliament struck a provisional agreement to ban the use of medium-voltage switchgear that relies on SF₆ by means of a stepped phase-out programme starting in 2026. In the coming months, details of how changes in the law will be implemented in EU Member States will become increasingly clear, prompting asset managers in distribution system operating (DSO) companies, and other network operators, to consider the implications for their operations. 

Understanding the new rules

 The new EU Regulations, binding in Member States, will soon be published in the EU’s Official Journal and enter into force. It is then up to Member States to implement the regulations at a national level. What this means, in practice, is that there will be a two-year period for the electrical industry to get ready to comply with the regulation because from January 2026, the use of new medium-voltage switchgear that relies on SF₆ in the category up to, and including, 24kV, will be prohibited by law. Similar bans on SF₆ switchgear with higher voltage ratings are set to follow.

With the new F-gas regulation formally agreed upon, it makes good sense for asset managers to start assessing their current inventory of SF₆ switchgear. If they are aware that the need for replacement is imminent - perhaps because an existing installation is near its end-of-life, for example - this is a suitable time to replace it with SF₆-free alternatives. Looking ahead, contracts for the supply of new switchgear that extend beyond January 2026 should be reviewed because after this date selecting new switchgear that relies on SF₆ will not be an option.

Roadmap

Once asset managers have assessed their SF₆ switchgear inventory, and identified units due for replacement, they should explore SF₆-free alternatives by comparing the technical specifications, costs and benefits because being fully aware of initial capital expenditure (CAPEX), operational expenditure (OPEX) and total cost of ownership (TCO). will inform onward strategy.

Next, they must develop and implement a transition plan, prioritising leaky units and those near the end of their life span. The long-term goal should be not only to comply with the new regulations, but also to realise a strategy that will reap the business benefits of the transition to SF₆-free switchgear. 

Proper handling and disposal of SF₆-based switchgear at the end of its lifecycle further minimises its environmental impact, too, and that is a consideration that should not be overlooked.

Environmental considerations 

Switching to SF₆-free solutions not only ensures that companies comply with their regulatory obligations in Europe, but also that they make a significant contribution to environmental sustainability goals by significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The switch helps companies to play their part in the circular economy and, more widely, support the EU’s Green Deal objectives and deliver on the goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement. It is activity that can be referenced in a company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) messaging to highlight commitment to sustainability and innovation. 
 
Eliminating SF₆ in electrical infrastructure that supports renewable technologies, such as solar farms, is of particular importance given that the primary role of renewables is to drive down all types of emissions. Asset managers should pay particular attention to the switchgear they choose for this type of technology.

Choosing an onward journey 

In a market where reliability is paramount, the proven track record of compact SF₆-free solutions, such as Eaton’s Xiria range of medium voltage switchgear is important. Production capacity, together with the ability of suppliers to deliver the products needed, are essential factors in ensuring a seamless transition.

The switch to SF₆-free switchgear in Europe is a vital step in the onward journey towards increased environmentally responsibility in industry and asset managers will play a pivotal role. Implementing a strategy to phase in SF₆-free switchgear is not just a regulatory necessity, it is an opportunity for DSOs in Europe to benefit their business by embracing switchgear innovation, while at the same time – and crucially – reducing the environmental impact of their operations.

Click on the links below to learn more about the dangers of SF₆ and discover your SF₆-Free switchgear options!