As the European Union moves towards banning SF₆ gas in medium-voltage switchgear due to its severe environmental impact, C.R. Technology Systems embraces the green transition, providing SF₆-free switchgear solutions designed to meet current and future regulatory requirements, thus supporting sustainable energy infrastructures across Italy and Europe.
Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) is a colorless, odorless gas, widely used in electrical switchgear as an insulating and arc-quenching medium because of its excellent dielectric properties. However, SF₆ is a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential approximately 23,500 times greater than CO₂ over a 100-year period. Its release into the atmosphere contributes significantly to climate change.
Traditionally, SF₆ gas has been used inside medium-voltage (MV) switchgear to prevent electrical discharges and ensure safe operation. Despite its effectiveness, the environmental risks posed by SF₆ emissions have prompted stricter regulations worldwide.
The Shift Towards SF₆-Free Alternatives
In the near future, the use of SF₆ gas in new medium-voltage switchgear will be banned across the European Union, as established by the new EU F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573, which aims to reduce the use of fluorinated greenhouse gases due to their high global warming potential.
This regulation is pushing the market, both in Italy and globall, towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives.
At our company, we are prepared.
We offer the ATR air-insulated switchgear, available up to 36 kV, which is designed to support this green transition:
✅ SF₆-free insulation – using only air as the main insulating medium
✅SF₆-free switchgear solution at this voltage level
✅ Easy to operate and maintain
✅ Fully aligned with EU climate and energy goals
✅ Only the 36 kV circuit breaker chamber contains SF₆ for arc-quenching purposes (less then 0.3g in total 0.1 g per phase)
✅ The 36kV level will be prepared in the near future for the use of SF6-free (vacuum) circuit breakers, in order to achieve a completely
Our ATR SF₆-free switchgear represents an important step towards sustainable energy distribution networks. By choosing these environmentally friendly solutions, companies and utilities can reduce their carbon footprint, comply with evolving regulations, and contribute to the global fight against climate change.
