Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is the most potent greenhouse gas in the world and is used as an insulating medium and cut-off medium in electrical equipment such as circuit breakers and switchgear installed in electricity transmission and distribution networks.
Currently, SF6 is the main insulation gas used in switchgear in Senegal. The country operates a transmission network of about 1388.85 km of 225KV super-high-voltage line and 311.14 km of 90KV high-voltage line. Regarding distribution, Senegal has 18,674 km of 30KV HVA lines and 23,000 km of LV lines. (Sources Senelec 2024 key figures). In terms of grid extension, Senegal plans to build 1,350 km of high and extra-high voltage lines and eight new transformer substations by 2030, in addition to existing grid improvement projects, particularly in Dakar and rural areas.
SF6-free technologies for medium-voltage applications are becoming more and more available, however for high-voltage developments are underway by some manufacturers. However, these technologies have not yet been adopted in Senegal. SF6 emissions are not taken into account in Senegal's national greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories or mitigation plans. In addition, the technical capacities in the management of SF6 must be improved, to enable Senegal to put itself on a low-carbon trajectory in the operation of its electricity network.
A study is currently being conducted by Senelec with the financial support of AFD, whose main objective is to map alternative technological solutions to SF6, for medium and high voltage networks. In this context, data collection was also carried out to quantify the SF₆ gas contained in Senelec's structures, with an approximation of the associated fugitive emissions. CTCN's technical assistance will complement this initiative by proposing a more accurate methodology for quantifying emissions, expanding the analysis to the national level, and creating an enabling environment for the phase-out of SF₆ in Senegal.