Q: Please briefly explain your role, involvement and experience with regards to SF6 and switchgear
John Parsons, BEAMA (JP): I am the manager of BEAMA’s F Gases TF, representing the majority of manufacturers of MV and HV electrical in GB and which is providing industry views to UK government on the review of the F Gas Regulations. I am also a member of T&D Europe’s Gases for Switchgear WG, which has been tracking the European Commission’s review and revision of the European F Gas Regulations.
Matt Sands, Schneider Electric (MS): I have been lucky enough to work at Schneider Electric for the last 25 years, based at the Leeds manufacturing plant, I have been involved in many aspects of the current SF6 11kv and 33kV product offers. Over the last 2 years I have worked on the development and deployment our new 11kV SF6 free RMU offer, which will continue to be manufactured in the UK, ultimately replacing the existing 11kV SF6 RMU product. This has been the biggest technology change seen since the introduction of SF6 gas as an insulating gas when it replaced the use of oil in switchgear.
Q: What is the top challenge facing your industry at present?
JP: SF6 has the highest CO2 equivalent figure of any gas but also has excellent properties for switchgear which has allowed industry to develop a range of cost effective and compact switchgear. As we move to a net zero electricity system there will be a need to upgrade existing switchgear and install much new switchgear. To avoid locking SF6 into the networks for the next 40 years (the minimum life of utility switchgear) this should be done with SF6 free switchgear, but this is not available yet for some applications, may have higher cost or a larger footprint.
MS: As electrification increases and renewable penetration grows, so too does the need for more medium voltage switchgear. This equipment commonly uses sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), a man-made gas with a very high global warming potential. As the electricity industry invests in a more sustainable and digital future, it seeks green alternatives to SF6.
Q: How would you say your industry has evolved over the past two years?
JP: There has been significant progress in offering SF6 free switchgear and the revision of the European F Gas Regulations, settling phase out dates for SF6 switchgear at different voltage levels, has set a clear timetable for industry.
MS: Limiting greenhouse gas emissions and improving sustainability are already top of mind for companies and individuals. While many are taking great measures to lower their environmental impact through actions like lowering their energy consumption, recycling, and driving less, businesses using MV technologies are now empowered with sustainable choices and the ability to cut their own greenhouse gas emissions by choosing green equipment.
Q: What developments are going on in your industry that may have an impact on future plans to eradicate SF6?
JP: The main drivers are the revised F Gas Regulations in Europe and the expected response of the UK government to their review of the Regulations. Alongside this, all of the DNOs have their own environmental commitments that push them away from SF6 and, in the case of the transmission system operators, specific RIIO regulatory outputs to reduce their SF6 leakage rates.
MS: Schneider Electric is innovating its offers to move away from SF6 gas, as part of our sustainability goals. We will have 100% substitution with SF6-free medium voltage technologies. In 2021, Schneider’s promises to deliver new SF6-free medium voltage switchgear became a reality with the installation of innovative products at several customer sites. 2021 was the year of the industrialization of several new product lines, free of SF6, fluorinated gases (F-gas), and operating on a cutting-edge combination of pure air and vacuum technology, to prepare for the full commercial launch of this new generation of products.
Q: What will you be presenting at the Switchgear 2024 seminar and how will this benefit participants?
JP: I will be looking at the revisions to the European Regulations and their impact on the European market and the situation this leaves the UK in, depending on whether or not the UK government follows the European lead.
MS: Schneider Electric started the process of developing SF6 free alternative products back in 2015, it has been a long journey, but with the new developments in technologies this is now possible. I will be presenting how these SF6 free alternative solutions link into the global crisis that we in, how the offers have evolved, the new technologies allowing this possible, but also the challenges this evolution brings to the industry.
Q: Which other speakers and presentations are you looking forward to hearing at the forthcoming seminar?
JP: It is always good to hear from the network operators on their approach to moving away from SF6 and their view of the availability and suitability of non-SF6 switchgear.
MS: Understanding from the network operators their plans to move away from the use of SF6 gas technologies and what challenges they face in this journey.
Q: Why is it important for engineers to come together at this event and share best practice?
JP: The move to net zero creates a pressing need for new switchgear as we reinforce and extend the networks developed and adapt them to meet new needs and application, should be SF6 free to the fullest extent possible. However, what is practicable is subject to technical, regulatory and environmental considerations, needing the input of all stakeholders.
MS: We are all aiming towards the same goal of an SF6 free future, but each stakeholder faces their own challenges in making this possible and understanding each other’s obstacles we can work together to make the transition to an SF6 free future.
The Switchgear 2024: Life after SF6 seminar will be taking place on 17 October 2024 at One Birdcage Walk, London.
To book your place, please visit the event website.