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Electric Power Systems Partnership
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SF6 Mitigation Opportunities

The partnership has worked with partners to identify and develop several resources to highlight cost-effective methods of reducing SF6 emissions. Among other mitigation strategies, these include upgrading equipment to SF6-free circuit breakers to reduce SF6 use and leaks, establishing lifecycle approach for SF6 management, ensuring good management of SF6 acquisitions and gas inventory, training employees annually in SF6 handling and in using the necessary equipment, recycling SF6 gas at equipment servicing or disposal, implementing leak detection and repair strategies, and decommissioning equipment properly.

Alternatives to SF6

There are two new high voltage circuit breaker technologies that can be used as alternatives to traditional SF6 breakers and to review considerations for technology adoption. Based on testimonials and insights received from partner utilities and equipment manufacturers, the partnership developed a summary paper and hosted a webinar to provide an overview of the progress of these alternative technologies entering the market and considerations for technology adoption. Additionally, the partnership developed a calculator to evaluate the cost and GHG emissions benefits of switching to alternatives circuit breaker technologies.

  • Cost evaluation tool: SF6 Alternatives Benefits Calculator
  • Summary paper: Moving Toward SF6-Free High Voltage Circuit Breakers: Considerations for Adopting Vacuum Breaker and Fluorinated Gas Alternative Technologies 
  • Webinar: SF6 Free Alternative Medium and High Voltage Circuit Breakers: Vacuum Technology

Learn about Best Practices

The following resources provide information about best practices and cost-effective methods of reducing SF6 emissions that can be implemented by the electric power industry.

  • Overview of SF6 Emissions Sources and Reduction Options in Electric Power Systems
  • Reducing SF6 Emissions in Electric Power Systems: Best Industry Practices
  • Electric Power Systems Partnership
  • Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) Basics
    • Mitigation Opportunities
    • Case Studies
  • Resources
    • Overview Paper
    • Alternatives Paper
    • Alternatives Benefits Calculator
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  • Accomplishments
Contact Us to ask a question, provide feedback, or report a problem.
Last updated on March 21, 2022
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