Page 17 - Issue 3 2023

VIEWS AND OPINION

systems for new power stations,
especially those containing harmful
gasses, could also have a negative effect
on the environment.
The EU, and other European
countries including the UK, are set to
ban the use of global warming SF6 gas
in medium voltage switchgear from
the mid-2020s. Utilities, together with
the many other sectors that use this
type of switchgear, will need to select
alternatives for future projects.
In South Africa, large data centres,
some utilities and several shopping
centres have already implemented grid will require more frequent switching, the global switchgear market for new
SF6-free switchgear. The country’s switchgear, as well as replacements, is growing. Fortunately, SF6-free medium voltage
greenhouse gas emissions are among switchgear technology is mature, and widely available in South Africa in the range up to
the highest in the world and SF6 gas in and including 24 kV. This should make the decision to go SF6-free an easy one to make
electrical switchgear is still widely in use, in 2023, and the years to follow. A more sustainable future will benefit us all.
as it provides high-voltage insulation,
but is linked to a rise in Sulphur Godfrey Marema is the plant manager and managing director of Eaton South Africa
Hexafluoride emissions.
As a decentralised high renewable Send your comments to rogerl@nowmedia.co.za

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