By: Brighton Mwarehwa - Offer and Marketing Director – Power Systems Business Unit at Schneider Electric

The well-known adage Rome wasn’t built in day certainly applies to the world’s move towards decarbonised posture.  However, the globe has come a long way since the 1st century BC and initiatives such as modernising the grid with greener options are accelerating our decarbonisation journey.

One important step is implementing SF6-free equipment in today’s modernised grid infrastructure. Synthetic, odourless, and a highly stable, SF6 (sulphur hexafluoride) is manmade gas that has been widely used over decades in the electricity industry for insulation, and current breaking, and in medium and high-voltage equipment.

Unfortunately, SF6 is also the world’s most potent GHG (greenhouse gas) and has a global warming potential (GWP) which is about 24,300 times higher than CO2. And whilst - in the case of medium voltage (MV) switchgear - SF6’s leakage rate during operating life is negligible, its end-of-life recapturing or rather lack thereof poses a significant threat.

To this end, the European Commission, for example, has implemented a quota system

which generates a steeper reduction in the amounts that importers and producers may place on the market, and in 2050, HFCs will be phased out in the EU.  

This shift, which will undoubtedly set the trend of other countries, makes it crucial for utilities to adopt sustainable switchgear solutions like Schneider Electric’s RM AirSeT gas-insulated (GIS) switchgear with pure air, which align with future regulatory frameworks.

The RM AirSeT is designed to decarbonise and modernise the electrical grid. Equipped with pure air technology, it therefore eliminates the need for SF6 gas.

The switchgear's hermetically sealed design also protects it from harsh environmental conditions like humidity and saltwater, making it suitable for utilities and industrial applications. Available in 12kV and 24kV options, RM AirSeT mitigates the need for complex and costly gas recycling processes, thereby reducing the total cost of ownership.

One of the most compelling aspects of RM AirSeT is its contribution to sustainability. The average lifespan of the switchgear is between 30-40 years, presenting a once-in-a-generation opportunity to avoid additional GHG emissions. By eliminating SF6 gas, the environmental footprint of electrical networks is significantly reduced.

Several industries use SF6, and with the EU ban starting to take effect and other countries to follow suit; how will the change impact these key segments?

• Buildings – both commercial and industrial are subject to strict sustainability standards. Using SF6-free switchgear is an opportunity to meet these goals and to work towards accolades such as achieving LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification. 
• eMobility - by choosing an electric vehicle, drivers are already making a green transportation choice. SF6-free MV switchgear supports an even more sustainable EV charging experience at the charging point. Using green switchgear also future proofs EV charging stations for potential sustainability standard requirements.
• Grids – when integratiing distributed energy resources (DERs), it only makes sense to also use green switchgear, especially with the technology specifically designed for grids of the future, which contain many more renewables and more frequent switching operations.
• Data centres are one of the most energy-intensive types of buildings. New technology innovations, such as SF6-free switchgear, can help data centres reduce their GHG (greenhouse gas emissions) footprint.

Real-world examples

The RM AirSet switchgear has been implemented successfully at numerous municipalities across the globe including South Africa.  These municipalities are partnering with Schneider Electric to reduce their carbon footprint by using pure air instead of SF6 gas.

Lastly, Schneider Electric is committed and has started offering the SF6-free switchgear.. This portfolio includes both secondary and primary range products, ultimately supporting the energy industry's transition towards a carbon-neutral environment.