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The European Union (EU) has long been seeking to address the climate impact of all types of fluorinated gases (F-gases). This includes revising existing legislative frameworks to ban the use of Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF₆) in switchgear and limit its contribution to global warming.
In January 2024, the Council of the EU greenlit new regulations aimed at curtailing the use of F-gases, in alignment with the goals of the Paris Agreement. These updated rules include a ban on medium-voltage switchgear that depends on SF₆, beginning with a gradual phase-out from 2026.
Watch the videos below for more information on SF₆-free technologies, or to learn how these new regulations will affect asset managers.
Why the potent greenhouse gas SF6 should be banned
Our ‘Did you know?’ videos about SF6 explain why this fluorinated gas (f-gas for short), which is used for insulation in electrical switchgear and power distribution, is harmful for the climate. Also known as sulphur hexafluoride, it is a much more potent greenhouse gas than CO2 and was therefore originally banned in the EU in 2015, with the exception of industrial switchgear. Ironically, despite the hazard it poses for the environment, SF6 is used in renewable energy technology, from which it can leak into the atmosphere, where it will remain for over 3,000 years. With the expansion of renewable energy generation, the demand for this climate change inducing gas may actually go up. But things don’t need to be this way, as Eaton has been demonstrating for over 60 years, with more than a million SF6-free switchgear panels sold to date. Eaton’s SF6-free switchgear is air-insulated, making it much more environmentally friendly. Our latest vacuum-insulated versions are safe, reliable, compact and intuitive to use, making them ideal for applications such as wind turbines and solar parks. In addition, the EU is currently reviewing its F-Gas Regulation from a climate change perspective, which may result in a ban on SF6 in circuit breakers and other switching devices in the near future. For all of these reasons, we urgently need to switch to SF6-free alternatives.
Read the news and featured articles related to SF₆-free switchgear technology, Eaton’s product portfolio and policy regulations. Gain insights on important developments and conversations happening in the market.
Blog
SF6-free switchgear is big win for the planet
Article - BBC
Climate change: Electrical industry's 'dirty secret' boosts warming
News release
Eaton announces production of its 100,000th SF₆-free Xiria panel
News release
SF₆-free switchgear from Eaton helps network operators to be more sustainable
