42 | September 2025 | www.industrialoutlook.in
Abstract: Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)
is a highly potent greenhouse gas exten-
sively utilized in electrical insulation
and various industrial applications
owing to its superior dielectric proper-
ties. Although its atmospheric concen-
tration is relatively low, SF6 possesses a
global warming potential (GWP) that is
approximately 23,500 times higher than
that of carbon dioxide (CO2) over a
100-year timeframe, with a remarkably
long atmospheric lifetime of 3,200
years. This study comprehensively
investigates the environmental implica-
tions of SF6, with a particular emphasis
on its role in exacerbating climate
change, identifying primary sources of
emissions, and addressing the challeng-
es associated with its management.
Furthermore, the paper delves into
effective mitigation strategies, includ-
ing the adoption of alternative gases,
enhancement of handling practices, and
implementation of regulatory frame-
works designed to curtail SF6 emis-
sions. The analysis highlights the press-
ing need to address SF6 emissions to
mitigate their far-reaching environmen-
tal consequences.
KEY WORDS: Sulfur hexafluoride
(SF6),
Global
warming
potential
(GWP), Challenges, Emission.
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), a synthetic
fluorinated gas, is highly regarded for
its chemical stability, non-flammability,
and outstanding electrical insulating
properties. Its primary applications
include high-voltage electrical equip-
ment, such as gas-insulated switchgear
(GIS), circuit breakers, and transform-
ers, in addition to medical and industrial
uses. Nevertheless, SF6 is recognized as
one of the most potent greenhouse
gases, boasting a global warming poten-
tial (GWP) of 23,500 relative to CO2
over a 100-year period and an atmo-
spheric lifespan of around 3,200 years
[1]. The gas's prolonged persistence and
high GWP exacerbate its environmental
effects, even at minimal atmospheric
concentrations (about 10 parts per
trillion in 2020).
1.1 What is Sulphur Hexafluoride?
• Sulphur hexafluoride is an inorganic
gas made up of sulphur and fluorine
(Refer figure 1).
• Sulphur hexafluoride is one of the
most stable gases known.
• Sulphur hexafluoride is a very dense
gas so it will mainly reside in the lowest
layers of air. Exposure will be primarily
occupational.
• Sulphur hexafluoride is a weaker
eluent than carbon dioxide and is
difficult to obtain in adequate purity.
• It provides high dielectric strength and
excellent arc-quenching properties.
• The high heat absorbing ability makes
sulphur hexafluoride a strong green-
house gas with a CO2 equivalent contri-
bution to the global warming potential.
Fig.1 Chemical Structure of SF6 Gas
1.2 Why SF₆ Gas is widely used in
power sector
Before diving into its applications, it’s
important to understand why SF₆ is so
widely used in the electrical industry.
Key properties include:
• High dielectric strength: SF₆ is
approximately 2.5 times more effective
than air at insulating voltage.
• Excellent arc-quenching capabili-
ties: It efficiently extinguishes arcs in
circuit breakers.
• Chemical stability: SF₆ is non-reac-
tive and stable over a wide range of
temperatures and pressures.
• Non-flammability: It doesn’t support
combustion, making it safe in electrical
applications.
• Thermal conductivity: Provides
efficient heat dissipation.
These properties make SF₆ ideal for
medium- and high-voltage electrical
equipment, especially in environments
where safety, space, and reliability are
critical.
1.3 Applications of SF₆ in the Power
Sector
G A
UEST RTICLE
The Environmental Impact of Sulfur Hexafluoride
(SF6): Challenges and Mitigation Strategies