Resources on SF6 Alternatives
While the implementation of best practices continues to effectively minimize SF6 emissions from the electric power sector, alternative technologies unlock the potential for zero SF6 emissions. Other benefits, depending on the alternative technology, may include reduced equipment maintenance needs and lower lifecycle costs compared to SF6 equipment.
Market transformation becomes more critical as the power sector evolves to meet increasing energy demand from electrification and the advent of artificial intelligence and data centers, for example, and recent legislation such as the Infrastructure and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act that spur grid planning and investment efforts. With federal funding supporting significant grid enhancement investments, the Partnership aims to provide utilities with knowledge and tools to identify and consider alternatives to SF6 and avoid potential future SF6 emissions from newly installed equipment that may serve the grid for several decades.
Resources and Tools
The Partnership collaborates with Partner utilities and other industry stakeholders to generate information and tools for those considering alternatives.
| Resource | Source |
|---|---|
| SF6 Alternatives Benefits Calculator (xlsx) | Electric Power Systems Partnership (EPA) |
| Moving Toward SF6-Free High Voltage Circuit Breakers (pdf) | Electric Power Systems Partnership (EPA) |
| SF6 Free Alternative Medium and High Voltage Circuit Breakers - Vacuum Technology (pdf) | Electric Power Systems Partnership (EPA) |
SF6 Alternative Circuit Breaker Directory
This interactive directory displays SF6-free circuit breaker equipment above 34.5 kV that are currently commercially available in United States.
EPA does not endorse or promote any of the equipment listed in the directory, nor is it a guarantee that all currently commercially available SF6-free circuit breaker equipment is listed in this directory. The directory has been provided for general informational purposes to serve as a starting-place for learning about alternative circuit breaker equipment that is SF6-free. It is the responsibility of the individual/utility to verify equipment specifications, proper applications, and current availability through direct communication with the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Note the PFAS column is in reference to the insulating technology used. Circuit breakers may contain or use PFAS in other equipment parts and components.
This directory has been last updated: January 13, 2025
View definitions for terms in the directory
- Live tank Circuit Breakers: A circuit breaker in which the switching unit/interruption (opening and closing of contacts for arc generation and quenching) occurs in an insulator bushing that is live at an above ground voltage.
- Dead tank Circuit Breakers: A circuit breaker in which the switching unit/interruption (opening and closing of contacts for arc generation and quenching) occurs in an enclosure at ground voltage that is not energized.
- Alternative Fluorinated Gas Technology: Equipment that utilizes an alternative gas or gas mixture that is SF6-free but contains another fluorinated gas.
- SF6- free Vacuum Technology: Equipment that utilizes both vacuum interruption and dry air (N₂ and O₂).
- PFAS: PFAS are a series of man-made chemical compounds that persist in the environment for long periods of time. For more information, visit: https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained.
Collaboration Opportunities
The Partnership seeks collaborators to learn more about industry experiences with SF6 emission reduction technologies and practices to generate additional resources. If you are interested in sharing your experience, successes, challenges or collaborating in some other way, contact us!