California Caps SF6 Emissions for Utilities

Typography
The California Air Resources Board recently announced that they will begin monitoring and limiting the emissions of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) in high-voltage electrical equipment starting in 2011. SF6 is the most potent of all greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change. SF6 is approximately 23,900 times as potent as carbon dioxide, the world’s most prevalent greenhouse gas, at trapping heat in the atmosphere.

The California Air Resources Board recently announced that they will begin monitoring and limiting the emissions of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) in high-voltage electrical equipment starting in 2011. SF6 is the most potent of all greenhouse gases which contribute to climate change.

SF6 is approximately 23,900 times as potent as carbon dioxide, the world’s most prevalent greenhouse gas, at trapping heat in the atmosphere.

!ADVERTISEMENT!

Therefore, removing just one pound of SF6 from the atmosphere is the equivalent of removing 11 tons of carbon dioxide. In its current form, the regulation is set to reduce SF6 emissions by 70% in all electrical utility applications by the year 2020, the equivalent of 250,000 tons of CO2. Utilities will be expected to reduce SF6 emissions through leak detection and repair, gas collection and recycling, and the replacement of older equipment.

The gas is used in high-voltage switching systems due to its high resistance to electric current, making it a superior insulating material. In this application, SF6 is contained in pressurized seals where losses can occur over time, during routine maintenance, or during the gas recycling process. Green, Inc. reports that while California did pass SF6 regulation for the semi conductor and non-electrical use in 2009, those uses account for less than 20% of total SF6 emissions in the state.

Article continues: http://sustainablelifemedia.com/content/story/strategy/california_caps_sf6_emissions