44 | September 2025 | www.industrialoutlook.in
G A
UEST RTICLE
4.0
INNOVATIVE APPROACHES
FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAIN-
ABILITY
4.1 Alternative Gases and Technolo-
gies
Research into SF6 alternatives has
intensified, with promising candidates
including:
A. Fluorinated gas mixtures: Fluori-
nated gas alternatives to SF₆, such as
C4-FN (perfluoronitrile) and C5-FK
(fluoroketone), offer significantly lower
global warming potential while main-
taining
strong
insulating
and
arc-quenching properties. These gases
are typically used in mixtures with CO₂
or N₂ to enhance performance and
reduce environmental impact.
B. Vacuum insulation: Vacuum circuit
breakers eliminate the need for gas
insulation
in
certain
applications,
though they are less effective at higher
voltages.
C. Solid insulation: Emerging solid
dielectric materials reduce reliance on
gas-based systems but require further
development for widespread adoption.
4.2 Improved Handling and Recycling
Proper handling and recycling practices
can significantly reduce SF6 emissions.
Strategies include:
A. Leak detection and repair: Ad-
vanced monitoring systems to detect
and fix leaks in real-time.
B. Recycling and recovery: Capturing
and reusing SF6 during equipment
maintenance and decommissioning.
C. Training programs: Educating
technicians
on
best
practices
to
minimize accidental releases.
4.3 Regulatory and Policy Frame-
works
India is taking steps to manage fluori-
nated greenhouse gases (F-gases) and
aligns with international agreements
like the Kigali Amendment to the
Montreal Protocol. These efforts
in-
clude integrating F-gas management
into existing regulations like the Ozone
Depleting Substances (Regulation and
Control) Rules, 2000, and the E-Waste
(Management) Rules, 2022. Various
Governments and international organi-
zations are implementing regulations to
curb SF6 emissions:
A. European Union: The EU’s F-Gas
Regulation
(Regulation
(EU)
No
517/2014) imposes strict controls on
SF6 use and mandates recovery and
recycling.
B. United States: The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) encourages
voluntary emission reduction programs,
such as the SF6 Emission Reduction
Partnership for Electric Power Systems.
C. International Agreements: The
Kigali Amendment to the Montreal
Protocol
includes
provisions
for
phasing
down
high-GWP
gases,
indirectly supporting SF6 reduction
efforts.
4.4 Future Outlook
The path forward involves a careful
balance between technological reliabili-
ty and environmental responsibility.
Key trends shaping the future of SF₆ use
in the power sector include:
1. Regulatory Evolution
Governments are expected to tighten
emission regulations and incentivize
SF₆-free technologies.
• The European Commission may
extend SF₆ bans under the updated
F-Gas Regulation.
• Global utilities will likely face more
stringent reporting and compliance
requirements.
2. Innovation and R&D
• Continued
investment
in
green
technologies will yield more effective
SF₆ substitutes.
• Digital tools (IoT, AI) will improve
asset monitoring, leak detection, and
predictive maintenance.
3. Decarbonization Pressure
As the power sector decarbonizes to
meet climate goals, reducing SF₆ emis-
sions will become part of broader
carbon neutrality strategies.
• Net-zero targets will drive utilities
toward SF₆-free alternatives.
• Lifecycle emissions of equipment will
influence procurement decisions.
5.0 INDIA FIRST GREEN GAS
SUBSTATION BY PGCIL
Power Grid Corporation of India
(PGCIL) is set to commission India’s
first eco-friendly 145 kV Green Circuit
Breaker at its Imphal substation. This
green gas switchgear uses an alternative
to the highly potent greenhouse gas
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF₆). The move
aligns with PGCIL's commitment to
sustainability and contributes to India's
"Net Zero" and decarbonization goals.
Fig.4 Inauguration of PGCIL 145 Green CB in
Imphal
In addition to the Imphal circuit break-
er, PGCIL is developing other environ-
mentally friendly projects, including a
"Green GIS" (Gas Insulated Substation)
switching station in Assam. A “green”
GIS would mean using of eco-friendly
substitutes for the conventional SF6
(sulphur hexafluoride) gas that is
known to be a greenhouse gas with
detrimental ecological implications.
6.0 CONCLUSION
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) poses a
significant environmental challenge due
to its exceptionally high global warm-
ing potential and prolonged atmospher-
ic lifetime SF₆ has long been the corner-
stone of high-voltage power equipment
due to its superior dielectric and
arc-quenching capabilities. However,
its extremely high global warming
potential and environmental persistence
have sparked urgent calls for change.
The power sector stands at a critical
juncture where the benefits of SF₆ must
be weighed against its environmental
cost.
As the industry moves toward sustain-
able energy systems, reducing or elimi-
nating SF₆ usage will play a key role in
achieving net-zero emissions. While
complete replacement may take time
particularly
for
extra-high-voltage
infrastructure the shift has already
begun.
While its use in electrical insulation and
other critical applications is essential,
the associated emissions disproportion-
ately contribute to climate change.