Eliminating SF6 emissions

Sulfur hexafluoride, or SF₆, is a potent greenhouse gas that has a global warming potential of 22,200 times that of CO₂ over a 100-year period. It is currently used for insulation and to interrupt current in high voltage substation equipment. We have already drastically reduced SF₆ leaks from our system, and we are working with partners from across the sector to identify, develop, and implement SF₆-free solutions at the earliest opportunity.

Targets

We are drastically reducing SF₆ emissions from our global operations 50% by 2030 from a 2019 baseline.
We will completely eliminate SF₆ from our assets by 2050.

Achievements to date

We have reduced our SF₆ emissions by more than 80% since the year 2000.
We piloted a non-SF₆ 69 kilovolt (kV) vacuum circuit breaker in 2012 and have since installed an additional twelve 69 kV vacuum circuit breakers. In vacuum circuit breakers, circuits are broken in a vacuum which helps to interrupt the current and prevent arcing which could damage the equipment.
We have partnered with The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a US-based non-profit research and development organization, for the monitoring and evaluation of SF₆ alternatives.

National Grid is hiring additional SF₆ engineers to supervise our current SF₆ inventory, aggressively reduce existing equipment leaks, and to work with manufacturers on SF₆ alternatives. We recently solicited circuit breaker manufacturers for available SF₆ alternatives, and, as a result, we have ordered a newly introduced 115 kV vacuum circuit breaker for delivery in 2023. By letting manufacturers know utilities are in the market for more environmentally friendly solutions, we hope to not only reduce our direct emissions, but to also advance the U.S. market to offer more sustainable options for all buyers.