Are You Ready For An SF₆ Phase Out?
Published 30 Jun 2021
3M Novec Insulating Gas
Sustainable SF₆ alternative
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 giving an evaluation for a potential SF₆ phase out 3M Electrical 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 of more than 99% in on-grid commercial equipment.
3M partners GE, ABB & Hitachi ABB Power Grids are using Novec Insulating Gases as part of their SF₆ free products in multiple medium- and high-voltage application going back to first installations in 2015.
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.
Installations using 3M Novec Insulating Gas
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!
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).
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
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.
- g³ products operate with no restriction under the same temperature range as SF6 products (down to -30°C).
- GE’s g³ products are type-tested and available for live-tank circuit breakers and gas-insulated substations up to 145 kV, gas-insulated lines (GIL) up to 420 kV and instrument transformers up to 245 kV.
- More than 20 leading utilities have decided to use equipment with g³ incorporating more than 100 bays in total.
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.
- Environmentally sustainable with a GWP of less than 1
- Compact equipment design
- Retains key benefits of established GIS technology
AirPlus using 3M Novec 5110 Insulating Gas
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. Since 2010, Hitachi ABB Power Grids has been deploying eco-efficient high-voltage technology with SF6 alternatives. The current EconiQ portfolio covers 145kV GIS and 420kV GIS busducts.
3M Scotch Electrical Tapes
T&D distribute the complete range of 3M Scotch Electrical Tapes for the insulation, repair, identification, jointing and terminating of LV, MV & HV cables – specialist fire resistant tapes, arc resistant, semi-conductive and rubber splicing tapes up to 69kV enable the protection of LV-HV cables including 11kV-33kV medium voltages, against abrasion, moisture, alkalis and acids.
3M Scotch Tapes include vinyl electrical insulation, high temperature glass cloth, sealing mastic, rubber self-amalgamating and high voltage tapes to provide track resistance, semi-conductive and sheath repairs to 11kV-33kV power cables.
THORNE & DERRICK are national distributors of LV, MV & HV Cable Installation, Jointing, Duct Sealing, Substation & Electrical Equipment – we service UK and global businesses involved in cable installations, cable jointing, substation earthing, overhead line and electrical construction at LV, 11kV, 33kV and EHV.
Since 1985, T&D have established an international reputation based on SERVICE | INTEGRITY | TRUST.
Contact us for 3M Electrical, ABB, Alroc, AN Wallis, CATU Electrical, Cembre, CMP, CSD, Elastimold, Ellis Patents, Emtelle, Euromold, Filoform , Furse, Lucy Electric & Zodion, Nexans, Pfisterer, Polypipe, Prysmian, Roxtec, Sicame, WT Henley.
