Estimating the Present-Day and Future Norwegian Circuit Breaker Population

Due to the high global warming potential of SF6, SF6-based switchgear is being replaced by SF6-free alternatives. This paper presents a method for estimating the present-day circuit breaker population and its future development so that the environmental and economic impact of this transition can be assessed. The method is first presented, and the assumptions behind its application are presented and discussed. Finally, the method is demonstrated using openly available data from the Norwegian transmission system (300 kV – 420 kV). The method provides rough estimates of the circuit breaker population, and the results are found to be in agreement with the available estimates. The method could be adapted to fit other data sources and power system components.