Events facts
Europe/Berlin
The CTCN together with the National Designated Entity (NDE) of Germany organizes a 3-day learning exchange event on Technologies for Decarbonization of Electrical Transmission and Distribution Grids through F-gas Regulations and Policies, hosted by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK). The event is convening relevant stakeholders in ministries, energy utilities, and power equipment manufacturers nominated by the NDEs, with the following objectives:
- share EU’s best practices on F-gas regulation and enforcement;
- facilitate a site visit to SF6-free technology facilities and training in Siemens and Nuventura; and
- strengthen stakeholders knowledge of available technology options and take informed actions for decarbonization pathways in developing countries.
The global energy system is the largest source of CO2 emissions, to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius, rapid, and deep reductions in the energy system are essential. System-wide transitions should take place across the entire energy system value chain with a complete paradigm shift in production, conversion, and energy usage. Given the complexity and urgency of system transformation, the CTCN is working together with countries to accelerate progress towards a resilient and clean energy system by creating a series of learning exchange events involving NDEs, public institutions, NGOs, and the finance and private sector, as part of its third Programme of Work for 2023-2027.
The recent commitment of the EU Commission to phase down Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) calls for a new role of SF6-free technologies in accelerating the region’s net-zero goal in the energy system. SF6, which is used as an insulation material in switchgear, is 25,200 times more potent than CO2 and has an atmospheric lifetime of up to 3,200 years. Therefore, the continued use of SF6 and other fluorinated gases in high, and medium-voltage insulation is of pressing concern to the energy industry. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, around 80% of the total SF6 emissions worldwide are from the switchgear industry, with an increasing demand in substations for renewable energy systems accelerating the use of SF6.
Decision-makers, utility companies and T&D manufacturers(1) who are considering installing new grids or updating them might not be aware of available alternative technology options and their lifetime benefits. SF6-free technologies are now available, with numerous companies in the market for high, medium, and low-voltage applications.
This event aims to close this knowledge gap and empower stakeholders to inform policies and decision about their entire energy system value chain to help reach their net-zero goals.