Why Replace SF₆?
🌍 The Environmental Cost
SF₆ is the most potent greenhouse gas known, 23,500 times more harmful than CO₂.
It stays in the atmosphere for over 3,200 years, making it an irreversible contributor to climate change.
Even small leaks from switchgear accumulate significantly, trapping heat in the atmosphere at an alarming rate.
📜 Regulatory Pressure & Industry Shift
The European Union has committed to banning SF₆ in new switchgear applications by 2030.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and state-level policies are enforcing tighter SF₆ reporting and reduction strategies.
Utilities and industries are now mandated to find SF₆-free solutions that meet safety and performance standards.
⚠️ Supply Chain Issues & Rising Costs
SF₆ production is highly concentrated, with limited manufacturers controlling the global supply.
Increasing geopolitical risks and trade restrictions are causing supply shortages and price volatility.
The cost of SF₆ is skyrocketing, further straining utility budgets.
Regulatory compliance costs (monitoring, leak detection, and reporting) continue to rise.
⚡ Grid Modernization & Aging Infrastructure
SF₆-based switchgear is aging and costly to maintain, requiring frequent leak inspections and compliance monitoring.
The high replacement and maintenance costs make SF₆ an expensive liability for utilities.
The growing demand for DC grids, renewable energy, and offshore wind requires next-generation switchgear with sustainable insulation and arc-quenching capabilities.