Environmental Advantages and Potential Carbon Credits to SF6-free Switchgear in the Indian Context

Authors:

• Amol Patharkar
• Cassidy Kuiper
• Probal Sarkar
• Lucas Zaehringer

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INTRODUCTION:

Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) has been widely used as an insulating and arc quenching medium in high and medium voltage (MV) switchgear due to its excellent dielectric properties and long-term stability. However, SF₆ is a synthetic greenhouse gas (GHG) with an extremely high Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 24,300 tons of CO₂ [1], making it one of the most potent GHGs in use today. Unfortunately, 80% [2] of the SF₆ is used in GIS & the expected growth in SF₆ use is 75 % from 2019 levels to 2050 [2]. SF₆ emissions contribute significantly to climate change due to its long atmospheric lifetime exceeding 3,000 years [3]. As India rapidly expands its power infrastructure in line with its economic growth and the and electrification goals, the cumulative environmental impact of SF₆ emissions from the power sector cannot be ignored.

With India committing to reduce its emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 [4], under its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC), there is a growing need to adopt sustainable technologies in the energy sector. SF₆-free switchgear has emerged as a viable and environmentally friendly alternative, utilizing insulation technologies such as dry air technology.

This paper evaluates the environmental advantages of transitioning to SF₆-free switchgear (dry air) majorly primary MV switchgear in the Indian context. It also explores the commercial opportunities linked to carbon finance, specifically the potential to earn carbon credits under emerging Indian and international carbon market mechanisms. The discussion includes economic implications of deploying SF₆-free solutions. The adoption of these technologies can directly reduce India's GHG emissions, contribute to national climate goals, and position utilities and manufacturers to benefit from future carbon pricing systems. Through supportive policy frameworks and industry participation, India could lead in sustainable power infrastructure by eliminating one of the most harmful industrial GHG from its grid systems.

India’s Energy Landscape:

India, with an estimated population of 1.46 billion (2025) [5], continues to experience steady and inclusive growth in electricity demand. Per-capita energy consumption has risen from 748 kWh in 2014–15 to 1,106 kWh in 2023–24, representing a CAGR of 3.74% [6]. India has experienced a steady and healthy growth in both energy supply and consumption to fulfil the dream of becoming a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

Grid Infrastructure in India:

As of June 2025, India’s installed generation capacity stands at 476 GW [7], distributed across central sector: 22.5%, state sector: 23.2%, and private sector: 54.3%. At approximately 80% utilisation, the effective generating capacity is 396 GW. This power is transmitted through a multilayered grid comprising HV, MV, and LV networks, accounting respectively for 10%, 30%, and 60% of total transmission, which translates to incoming power flowing through HV network 39667 MW, MV network 119000 MW, and LV (via MV network) 238000 MW. This is an assumption made in this paper and can be adjusted as and when better datasets are available.

It is assumed that the network predominantly employs Air-Insulated Switchgear (AIS) for around 60% of installations, with SF₆-based GIS accounting for the remaining 40%, particularly in space constrained or critical installations. While technically efficient, these SF₆ based systems contribute heavily to GHG emissions both during operation and at end-of-life gas recovery. Due to its techno-commercial advantage, conventional GIS relies heavily on SF₆ gas, a synthetic compound that is colourless, odourless, non-flammable, and highly effective for arc-quenching and insulation. Despite its technical merits, SF₆ is a GHG with an extremely high GWP 24,300 times that of CO₂ and an atmospheric lifetime of over 3,000 years. To assess the true scale of the SF₆ challenge, it is essential to first estimate the quantity of SF₆ currently deployed in MV switchgear across India. However, due to the absence of comprehensive national data on the installed base of MV SF₆-GIS and their projected growth, precise figures are not readily available.Therefore, the following sections present an analytical estimation of the overall SF₆-GIS population within India’s MV switchgear network.

Estimating the SF₆ Footprint in India’s MV Switchgear

In Indian context, the incoming powerflowing through MV network can be classified with respect to voltage level i.e., 11 kV (50%), 22 kV (10%) and 33 kV (40%), which translates to 71,400 MW, 14,280 MW and 57,120 MW, respectively, for each voltage level.

Assuming each GIS is rated for 1250 A,the power flowing through it will be 18 MW, 36 MW and 54 MW, respectively.  

Every substation has an incoming and outgoing power flow through these SF₆-GIS, and the average line up is about 10 panels. Thus, each voltage level has the approximate number of installed SF₆-GIS as follows:

‍SF₆ GAS IN USE (MV):  

The following amounts of SF₆ are used in the different voltage levels of SF₆-GIS [8] [9]:

Thus, the total amount of SF₆ gas present in India’s MV Switchgear as of today is approximately:

Therefore, the total SF₆ used only in MV switchgear in India by mid-2025 accounts to approximately 160 tons, equivalent to 3.9 million tCO_2e in the atmosphere for next 30 years.  

Further, the data also shows the average annual growth rate of installed capacity is at a rate of 5-6% i.e., as theinstalled capacity of India’s MV switchgear increases from 476 GW to 852 GW between 2025 to 2035, the total SF₆ gas in use would amount to 286 tons therefore equating to 6.9 million tCO_2e (approximately double the SF₆ gas used in 2025).

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ALTERNATIVESTO SF₆ IN MV SWITCHGEARS

SF₆ has long been the dominant insulating and arc-quenching medium in medium-voltage (MV) GIS. Its exceptional dielectric strength, roughly two to three times that of air under identical conditions, combined with thermal stability, non-flammability, and high electron affinity, has enabled compact equipment designs and reliable operation for decades. These technical advantages have made SF₆ the preferred choice inapplications demanding high performance and minimal maintenance.

In recent years, however, the industry has moved toward more sustainable insulating technologies that can match the electrical and mechanical performance of SF₆ while avoiding its environmental drawbacks. Several mature alternatives are now available for MV applications. The most prominent are dry air, fluoronitrile-based mixtures (e.g., C₄ or C₅ compounds blended with N₂ or CO₂), CO₂-based mixtures, and vacuum interruption technology combined with either solid or gaseous insulation. In modern GIS designs, current interruption is achieved by a vacuum interrupter,while the surrounding medium provides insulation only. Among these options, dry air has emerged as the most practical and sustainable solution due to its natural composition, zero GWP, non-toxicity, and wide availability. In contrast, fluoronitrile or CO₂ mixtures require carrier gases, more complex handling procedures, and careful temperature control to prevent condensation. For these reasons, dry-air systems are particularly well-suited to medium-voltage networks up to 36 kV, offering both technical reliability and regulatory simplicity.

The dielectric behaviour of gaseous insulants is governed by Paschen’s law, which relates breakdown voltage to the product of gas pressure and electrode gap [10]. SF₆ achieves superior dielectric strength at lower pressures, whereas natural gases such as dry air or nitrogen require higher pressures to reach equivalent performance. Comparative measurements show that while SF₆ operates effectively between 0.1 and 0.7 MPa, dry air must be compressed to approximately three times that pressure to deliver similar insulation strength (see Figure 3) [10].

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Experimental results by Štefan Matejčík confirm that the breakdown voltage in air, oxygen, and nitrogen increases proportionally with pressure (Figure 4) [11]. For MV switchgear rated up to 36 kV, an operating pressure of around 2 bar (g) moves the gas well beyond the Paschen minimum, providing a stable dielectric margin and reliable protection against partial discharges and internal arcs.

Maintaining this higher internal pressure safely depends on modern design and manufacturing standards. Contemporary GIS tanks are engineered according to IEC 62271-200 [12], whichs pecifies internal arc classification, functional safety, and dielectric requirements, and EN 50187 [13], the latest European standard for pressurized enclosures. These standards permit operating pressures above 3 bar while enforcing stringent quality and safety measures such as hydrostatic testing, burst-disc installation, and helium leak verification in line with IEC 62271-1 [14]. By using certified stainless-steel tanks, precision welding, and full traceability of components, manufacturers can ensure long-term gas tightness and mechanical integrity even under demanding service conditions.

In summary, while SF₆ remains a benchmark for dielectric performance, advances in gas pressure management and manufacturing now enable dry air insulated switchgear to deliver equivalent reliability and compactness without environmental compromise.

Lifecycle Emission Reductions 

Electric utilities have historically relied on SF₆-GIS, which experiences leakage throughout its operational life and particularly at end-of-life during gas recovery. Even minor leaks therefore result in significant CO₂-equivalent (CO₂e) emissions due to SF₆’s extreme GWP [15].  

An internal Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)conducted for Nuventura’ s Nu1, conducted using a functional unit representing a MV GIS (≤ 36 kV) over a 20-year reference lifetime, found that replacing SF₆ with dry-air insulation eliminates the direct GHG emissions associated with SF₆ use. Assuming a scenario of 2% annual SF₆ leakage during the use phase, the LCA indicated that an SF₆-GIS would produce approximately 31 tCO₂e more emissions over the 20-year period compared to the dry-air alternative. Although end-of-life gas recovery is often excluded from such assessments, SF₆ handling can be complex and prone to additional leakages meaning the overall environmental burden could besignificantly higher when this stage is considered. In addition to eliminating direct emissions, SF₆-free GIS also reduce lifecycle impacts by reducing maintenance requirements, simplifying logistics, and removing the needfor end-of-life gas recovery. 

As India rapidly expands its power infrastructure to meet growing demand, the large-scale deployment of new switchgear presents a critical opportunity to adopt SF₆-free technologies. This transition could avoid thousands of tonnes of CO₂e emissions annually, directly supporting India’s commitment to reduce emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 [4].

ESG Alignment and market advantage for Utilities and Manufacturers 

As a major global economy and GHG emitter, India plays a pivotal role in advancing international sustainability efforts. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have become integral in Indian corporate strategy, supported by evolving regulatory and market dynamics. The Business Responsibility and Sustainability Report (BRSR) framework now requires the top 1,000 listed companies (including major utilities and manufacturers) to disclose detailed ESG performance data. Reflecting this momentum, the assets under management (AUM) in ESG-focused funds in India also grew by over 250%, rising from USD 331.4 million (2020) to USD 1,176.6 million (2024) [16]. 

India’s private sector is alsodemonstrating strong climate commitment. According to ICRA ESG Ratings (2024), India ranks sixth globally in corporate climate action, with 127 companies having approved net-zero targets through the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). Therefore, highlighting the accelerating alignment of Indian businesseswith global decarbonisation frameworks and standards [17].

PowerGrid, has committed to decarbonising its operations by 2030 by reducing carbon intensity across its value chain [18]. Transitioning to SF₆-free switchgear directly supports such commitments by reducing Scope 1 emissions and improving operational safety.  

Unlocking financial value through SF₆ free infrastructure.  

Despite its high GWP, the role of carbon markets in mitigating SF₆ gas emission has been somewhat overlooked.Carbon finance can help bridge the gap, enabling SF₆ free switchgear deployment where costs or regulations might otherwise support business-as-usual scenario. SF₆ emission avoidance credits from grid expansion create tangible market value while supporting infrastructure growth.

SF₆ Carboncredits: Methodologies and market opportunities

Historically, SF₆ reduction projects were primarily addressed under the UN Clean Development Mechanism(CDM) and subsequently adopted by voluntary carbon standards like Verra or the American Carbon Registry (ACR).

• AM0035: SF₆ emission reductions in electrical grids;
• AM0065: Replacement of SF₆ with alternate cover gas in the magnesium industry;
• AM0078: Point of Use Abatement Device to Reduce SF₆ emissions in LCD Manufacturing Operations;
• AM0079: Recovery of SF₆ from Gas insulated electrical equipment in testing facilities.

In carbon crediting projects, methodologies developed or approved under a carbon standard define conditions,baseline scenarios, additionality, quantification, and monitoring procedures.

For SF₆, eligible activitieshave included SF₆ recovery, use of alternative cover gases e.g. in electrical grids. In light of emerging monitoring technology and the recent policy interventions in some countries/regions (EU F-gas Regulation), there is an acute need to rework quantification and establish new methodologies for grid-related abatement activities, such as the deployment of SF₆-free switchgears, ensuring that SF₆ avoidance crediting activities are efficient, needed and additional.

VOLUNTARY CARBON MARKET

While SF₆ projects have historically been limited, the VCM is increasingly instrumental in monetizing avoided emissions through market-based instruments like carbon credits.

These credits are traded and purchased by organizations to compensate for emissions or contribute to beyond-value-chain mitigation efforts. Industrial decarbonization initiatives, such as SF₆ avoidance, can be particularly appealing to corporate purchasers due to their cost-efficiency and verifiability, thereby stimulating demand within this market.

COMPLIANCE CARBON MARKETS

Compliance systems can also be crucialin addressing SF₆. Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) from South Korea, Canada, or New Zealand have integrated SF₆ emissions. Furthermore,many countries are transitioning to hybrid compliance models that permit the utilization of international offsets, such as Singapore seen as a global leader for Article 6-ligned international carbon credit trading and use within itsdomestic carbon tax schemes [19].

ARTICLE 6 OF THE PARIS AGREEMENT

The Article 6 mechanism ofthe Paris Agreement provides a framework for countries to voluntarily cooperate in achieving their NDCs using international carbon crediting. Since SF₆ is one of the six major GHGs included in NDC reporting, its mitigation falls directly within Article 6's scope.

This financial and crediting pathway canbe realised through two main avenues:

1. Article 6.2: Bilateral cooperation between two or more countries for crediting and trading emissions reductions as Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMO’s).  
2. Article 6.4: This establishes a globa lregistry and standardized methodology for SF₆ mitigation projects, unlocking climate finance for SF₆ free switchgear deployment, leakage reduction and other SF₆ mitigation activities.

EMERGING CARBON CREDIT MECHANISM IN INDIA

India's Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) 2023, a mandatory cap-and-trade system administered by the Bureau ofEnergy Efficiency (BEE), could hold significant relevance for SF₆ reduction projects. Initially prioritizing energy-intensive sectors, CCTS will expand in Phase 2. Draft methodologies officially published include fugitive industrial emissions such as halocarbons and SF₆. This could open the path to future issuance and trading of regulated carbon credits, used either domestically or as Internationally Transferred Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement [20].

Complementing CCTS in India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched the GreenCredit Programme (GCP) 2023 [21]. While GCP incentivizes broader sustainability actions, projects that reduce SF₆ emissions could be recognizedunder this scheme for ecosystem enhancement benefits, thereby promoting GHG mitigation.

By effectively using financial and policy tools like India’s CCTS and GCP, global efforts can speed up the moveaway from SF₆, helping cut emissions and promote sustainability. Together, CCTS and GCP form India’s dual environmental credit system, enabling utilities to reduce SF₆ through carbon crediting under Article 6.2 and PACM, and positioning India as a leader in green grids, emission reduction, and carbon finance.

POLICY RECOMMENDATION

Policy Integration: Include SF₆ reduction in NDCs anddomestic carbon markets and strengthen global cooperation on SF₆ tracking and mitigation.

Finance & Accounting: Align infrastructure financing with Paris Agreement goals, ensure strict SF₆ accounting for allswitchgear, and support funding for early SF₆ free technology adoption.

Methodology Development: Approve SF₆ mitigation methods underArticle 6.4 and registries like Verra, develop crediting approaches for SF₆-free retrofits and replacements, and attract private investment in SF₆ reduction projects.

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