DNV Partners with Industry Leaders to Decarbonize the UK Electricity Network by Reducing SF6 Emissions

DNV Partners with Industry Leaders to Decarbonize the UK Electricity Network by Reducing SF6 Emissions

(IN BRIEF) DNV is collaborating with a consortium of industry partners to tackle the environmental impact of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) within the UK’s electricity transmission network. This project aims to significantly reduce SF6 emissions and promote the transition to alternatives, aligning with the UK’s clean energy goals. Key activities include enhancing understanding of SF6 substitutes, developing retrofitting solutions for existing equipment, and creating energy-efficient disposal methods for SF6. Led by National Grid Electricity Transmission, the initiative involves several partners, including The University of Manchester and SP Transmission PLC. Jack Thomas, DNV Project Lead, emphasized the project’s potential to provide valuable insights and contribute to a cleaner energy transition. Hari Vamadevan, DNV’s Senior Vice President, highlighted the project’s importance in achieving sustainability within the UK’s energy landscape. The outcomes will also inform global strategies, particularly in light of the EU’s plan to phase out SF6 in new switchgear by 2032.

(PRESS RELEASE) BÆRUM, 2-Oct-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — In an innovative effort to address environmental challenges within the UK’s electricity transmission network, DNV is collaborating with a diverse group of partners from business, research, and technology sectors. This project aims to effectively manage sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), a potent greenhouse gas commonly utilized for its insulating properties in electrical systems, while also playing a crucial role in the integration of renewable energy generation and storage.

The initiative’s primary goal is to curtail SF6 emissions and promote the transition toward alternatives that do not contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, in alignment with the UK’s commitment to clean energy. Key activities will include enhancing the understanding of SF6 alternatives, developing innovative retrofitting solutions for existing infrastructure, and establishing energy-efficient disposal methods for SF6 once it is extracted from operational assets.

Led by National Grid Electricity Transmission, this project seeks to bridge significant knowledge gaps and support the development of a net-zero electricity network that aligns with the UK’s clean energy ambitions. As a critical project partner, DNV will provide its expertise in techno-economics and substation management, acting as the overall project coordinator.

The project brings together an impressive array of collaborators, including 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. Each partner contributes a wealth of technical and economic insights, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the lifecycle considerations related to SF6 emissions.

Jack Thomas, Senior Consultant and DNV Project Lead, remarked, “This collaborative initiative will yield valuable insights through performance testing and demonstration of SF6-free alternatives. By enhancing our in-service understanding and improving disposal strategies, we are making significant progress towards reducing SF6 emissions and facilitating the UK’s transition to cleaner energy.”

The implications of this project extend well beyond the UK, as SF6 stands as the most potent known greenhouse gas, representing a significant controllable emission source for transmission operators like National Grid Electricity Transmission. The findings from this initiative will benefit not only the UK but also other transmission system operators (TSOs) globally facing similar challenges. Furthermore, the European Union’s plan to phase out SF6 in new electrical transmission switchgear by 2032 underscores the timeliness and relevance of this project. The strategies and insights generated will be instrumental in driving deep decarbonization across electricity networks, contributing to global net-zero objectives and fostering a sustainable, resilient energy future.

Hari Vamadevan, Senior Vice President and Regional Director for the UK and Ireland, Energy Systems at DNV, expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “I am delighted to see DNV actively engaged in this initiative. With its ambitious goals and collaborative approach, it represents a crucial step towards a greener, more sustainable future for the UK’s electricity transmission network. By confronting the challenges posed by SF6 and crafting effective strategies, we can collectively advance towards a cleaner, more resilient energy landscape as the UK strives to achieve net-zero.”

About DNV
DNV is an independent assurance and risk management provider, operating in more than 100 countries. Through its broad experience and deep expertise DNV advances safety and sustainable performance, sets industry standards, and inspires and invents solutions.

Whether assessing a new ship design, qualifying technology for a floating wind farm, analyzing sensor data from a gas pipeline or certifying a food company’s supply chain, DNV enables its customers and their stakeholders to manage technological and regulatory complexity with confidence.

Driven by its purpose, to safeguard life, property, and the environment, DNV helps its customers seize opportunities and tackle the risks arising from global transformations. DNV is a trusted voice for many of the world’s most successful and forward-thinking companies.

In the energy industry
DNV provides assurance to the entire energy value chain through its advisory, monitoring, verification, and certification services.  As the world’s leading resource of independent energy experts and technical advisors, the assurance provider helps industries and governments to navigate the many complex, interrelated transitions taking place globally and regionally, in the energy industry. DNV is committed to realizing the goals of the Paris Agreement, and supports customers to transition faster to a deeply decarbonized energy system.

Media Contacts:

Neil James Slater
Head of Media Relations, Energy Systems
Phone: +44 2038165702

Penda Sall
Media Relations, Energy Systems
Phone: +33 651 69 88 64

SOURCE: DNV