What is SF6? Sulphur hexafluoride explained

Sulphur hexafluoride – also known as SF₆ – is a ‘greenhouse gas’ that has long played a part in global warming, similar to that of carbon dioxide (CO₂).

CO₂ has been a focal point of climate change for many years. Released from the burning of fossil fuels and other carbon-intensive practices, it creates a cover that traps heat from the sun in the earth’s atmosphere, warming the planet and the oceans. This is what’s known as the ‘greenhouse effect’.

SF₆ also has this effect, but is much more potent than CO₂. Today, wider understanding of the potency of this gas – and the need to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 in order to tackle climate change – is causing a rethink of its use.

What is SF6 greenhouse gas?

SF₆ is a synthetic, odourless gas that’s used in the electricity industry to keep networks running safely and reliably. It’s highly stable, non-toxic, non-flammable and electronegative, which means it will not form other compounds that will alter its state and effectiveness.

SF₆ has historically been used in a variety of applications, from metal smelting to filling double-glazing panels, but the electricity industry is one of the few places where it’s still used today; due to the technical challenges in replacing it. And it’s used on such a scale that it’s become a serious contributing factor to global warming.

Why is SF6 harmful to the atmosphere?

SF₆ is one of the most potent greenhouse gases we know. Its high atmospheric stability and ability to trap infrared radiation means it’s far more potent at warming the earth’s atmosphere than CO₂ over longer periods of time.

In fact, it’s estimated that, over a 100-year period, SF₆is 23,500 times more effective at trapping infrared radiation than CO₂¹, meaning that 1 kg of SF₆ has the same impact as 23,500 kg of CO₂. Once in the atmosphere, it has an atmospheric lifetime of 3,200 years, which means it can accumulate without degrading for millennia to come.

What is SF6 used for?

Man wearing PPE using camera to detect SF6 leaks at substation

Around 80% of the SF₆ used globally is in electricity transmission and distribution.² Medium- and high-voltage electrical equipment contains SF₆ to insulate the live electrical parts and to switch the flow of electrical current on and off. This same equipment is also used to connect the generation and storage of renewable energy.

Renewable technology also uses the gas – for example, switchgear for wind turbines use it to prevent overloads.

In electronics, SF₆ is used in semiconductor devices found in computers, smartphones, consoles and batteries for electric vehicles.

Electrical equipment is designed to avoid the release of this gas into the atmosphere, but leaks can occur over its lifecycle. SF₆ can also be released during the equipment’s manufacture, installation, maintenance or decommissioning.

How will removing SF6 help to fight climate change?

The potency of SF₆ released into the earth’s atmosphere can have a significant effect on global warming. The annual emissions of SF₆ rose 24% between 2008 and 2018, largely spurred on by the growing use of switchgear that uses the gas in developing countries.

In 2008 an estimated 7,300 tonnes were emitted globally, which rose to 9,040 tonnes in 2018. To put it in context, 9,000 tonnes of SF₆ equates to the greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 44 million passenger vehicles driven for one year, or 103 million tonnes of coal being burned.³

It’s also believed the level of SF₆ released into the earth’s atmosphere is being vastly underestimated, as tracking its release in developing countries is difficult.

How can SF6 production be reduced?

To prevent more harmful SF₆being released into our atmosphere, solutions to replace SF₆with greener alternatives are being developed.

We’re currently partnering with Hitachi Energy in the UK to develop and deploy the world’s first SF₆ replacement product for installed high-voltage, gas-insulated switchgear. Using this new solution means that we can avoid the cost of replacing equipment and reduce its carbon footprint.

_{Last updated: 23 May 2022

The information in this article is intended as a factual explainer and does not necessarily reflect National Grid's strategic direction or current business activities.}