While everyone is now aware of the threat posed by climate change, there is still an alarming lack of urgency when it comes to decarbonization.
Global carbon emissions are not falling. In fact, they hit an all-time high of 37.1bn metric tons in 2021. The need to act fast cannot be overstated, especially in the energy sector which has a greater carbon impact than every other industry combined.
Renewable energy sources are only part of the solution. It is essential that we achieve Zero Global Warming Potential (GWP) in the transmission of power as well as in its generation.
This means eliminating F-gases from electrical switchgear as soon as possible. Most switchgear still uses SF6 for insulation – a gas 24,300 times more climate-hostile than CO2 and one which stays in the atmosphere for up to 3,200 years. The new F-gas alternatives are also harmful to the environment when released.
With viable clean alternatives such as our Blue portfolio already in operation, F-gases are no longer needed. Legislation can play an important part here, and the EU is currently considering new regulations to curb their use. But the key to tackling the situation is forming partnerships.
No single company or organization has all the answers. All industry stakeholders – companies, governments, scientists, even competitors – need to join forces. That’s why we have already formed a number of such partnerships, which you can read more about here.
