DNV and Partners Collaborate to Decarbonize UK Electricity Network by Cutting Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Sulphur Hexafluoride

DNV, the independent energy expert and assurance provider, in collaboration with leading partners from various sectors, including business, research, and technology, is undertaking a groundbreaking project aimed at managing sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) in the UK's electricity transmission network. SF₆, widely used to insulate live electrical parts, interrupt the flow of electrical current, and more generally connect the generation and storage of renewable energy, offers numerous benefits but is a potent greenhouse gas with significant effects on global warming.

The project's key objective is to reduce SF₆ emissions and facilitate the transition to SF₆-free alternatives, aligning with the UK's clean energy goals. To achieve this, the project will focus on enhancing the understanding and handling of SF₆ alternatives, developing new retrofill solutions for existing equipment, and developing energy-efficient disposal methods for SF₆ once it is removed from assets.

By addressing these critical knowledge gaps, the project, led by National Grid Electricity Transmission, will help to develop a net zero electricity network and support the UK’s clean energy objectives. DNV, as project partner, will act as overall project manager, providing techno-economic and substation subject matter expertise.

Partners involved in this international collaborative effort include National Grid Electricity Transmission PLC (lead), The University of Manchester, SP Transmission PLC, Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission PLC, DILO Armaturen und Anlagen GmbH, and WIKA Instruments Limited. These partners bring a unique combination of technical and economic perspectives to the project, covering the whole life cycle of SF₆ emissions considerations.

"This collaborative effort will deliver unique insights through the performance testing and demonstration of SF₆-alternatives in service," said Jack Thomas, Senior Consultant and DNV Project Lead. "By developing in-service knowledge of SF₆-free alternatives and improving energy-efficient disposal methods, we are taking significant strides towards reducing SF₆ emissions and supporting the UK's clean energy transition."

The significance of this project extends beyond national boundaries. SF₆ is the most potent known greenhouse gas, and its leakage represents a substantial controllable source of emissions for Transmission Owners (TOs) such as NGET. The outcomes of this project hold relevance not only for the UK but also for other transmission system operators (TSOs) facing similar challenges globally. Indeed, SF₆ will also be phased out in all new equipment for electrical transmission (“switchgear”) by 2032 in the EU. The project's insights and strategies can be applied to achieve deep decarbonization of electricity networks, contributing to global net-zero targets and fostering a sustainable and resilient electricity network.

“I am delighted to see DNV participating in this project. With its ambitious goals and multi-sector collaboration, it marks a vital step towards a greener and more sustainable future for the UK’s electricity transmission network. By tackling the challenges posed by SF₆ and devising effective strategies, industry and business can work together and share knowledge to pave the way for a cleaner and more resilient energy landscape as the UK aims to meet net-zero.” Concluded Hari Vamadevan, Senior Vice-President and Regional Director for the UK and Ireland, Energy Systems at DNV.

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