Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002924/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Andreas Glück (Renew)
Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases (f-gases) sets out an ambitious path for phasing out the use of f-gases in electrical switchgear. From 2032, f-gases with a global warming potential of one or more will be prohibited in new high-voltage electrical switchgear.
For its current uses, sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) can be replaced with fluoronitrile (C4-FN) or vacuum technology. Fluoronitrile is the only alternative that has been tested at scale for high-voltage applications of more than 145kV. With a much lower global warming potential and low leakage rates, fluoronitrile represents an environmentally sound alternative to SF6 or vacuum technology. However, under Regulation (EU) 2024/573, it is set to be banned from 2032.
According to Article 13, paragraph 13 of Regulation (EU) 2024/573, fluorinated gases with higher global warming potential can be used, if it has been established that the life cycle CO2 emissions of the switchgear are lower than equivalent equipment.
- 1.Is the Commission planning to analyse the life cycle CO2 emissions of electrical switchgear using fluoronitrile as an insulation gas?
- 2.Is the Commission aware that due to the strict phase-out timeline and the lack of alternatives, especially in the high-voltage range, many transmission system operators are currently ordering electrical switchgear using SF6 as an insulation gas?
Submitted: 16.7.2025