Alternative Insulating Fluids to SF6 Gas Status and Strategy Considerations

SF
₆
has been an essential dielectric fluid for Transmission and Distribution equipment and switchgear for decades. Despite of all the technical advantages of SF
₆
there is one shortcoming, that being environmental impact. This paper will provide an update on the status of ongoing research and development of potential new gases, gas mixtures and vacuum interrupter technologies, that have similar electrical properties and functionality to SF
₆
filled equipment, but with much lower GWP. This paper will also provide strategy considerations with respect to the development and use of SF
₆
alternatives.