SF6 Whole life strategy

Completed

Other Power and Storage Technologies(Electricity transmission and distribution)

Applied Research and Development

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY (Electrical and Electronic Engineering)

Not Cross-cutting

Project Contact
National Grid Electricity Transmission

Network Innovation Allowance

Ofgem

01 April 2023

01 July 2023

3 months

£132,899

Power

London

Project Contact, National Grid Electricity Transmission

"The project seeks to develop an economic, efficient, and holistic strategy for delivering an SF6-free electricity system that will support GBs ambition to deliver a net-zero, resilient energy system.The potency of SF6 released into the earths atmosphere has a significant effect on global warming. It is estimated that there are over 960 tonnes of SF6 currently insulating gas insulated switchgear (GIS) apparatus in GB substations. The SF6 in GIS switchgear continuously leaks into the atmosphere throughout its lifecycle and requires periodic top-ups and cleansing to maintain satisfactory insulating properties.SF6 leakage contributes the second highest greenhouse gas emissions from transmission networks, after network losses. The transmission networks must develop a roadmap to being SF6-free by 2050. To understand how to achieve this, whilst deriving best-value to consumers, we propose to develop a strategy for the retrofill of existing switchgear apparatus with alternative lower-carbon-footprint insulating gases, programmes for reducing leakage in existing apparatus, and direct replacement of apparatus where it would not provide optimal value to retrofill with an alternative gas. The strategy would define the broad principles of decision-making for profiles of apparatus (age, scale, future planning requirements, footprint, leakage rates, etc.) across GBs entire transmission system.This project will analyse the current regulatory frameworks that govern the use of SF6 and lower-carbon alternative gases and deliver a desk-top study of proposed changes to the regulatory landscape, to deliver a strategy that is future-proof by assessing the techno-economic performance of each option. The overall strategy will be refined over the project lifecycle, and will comprise an exploratory analysis during Discovery phase, testing of solutions at Deeside Innovation Centre during the Alpha phase, and strategy development and deployment during the Beta phase.The lead partner is National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) supported by the following project partners in the Discovery phase:SSEN Transmission as a transmission licensee.University of Manchester as an academic partner and expert in HVAC switchgear technologies and alternative lower-carbon-footprint insulating gases.DNV as project manager and techno-economic assessment experts.In the Alpha and Beta phases, we anticipate additional partners would join the project, including:3M as provider of alternative low-carbon gas solutionsDILO as specialist in gas handling, including reconditioning, mixing and recovery of gases.Each project partner has an interest in driving innovation and supporting the efficient roll-out of new infrastructure and delivering a resilient energy system which is net-zero ready."

18/10/23