Weather & Science

India Begins to Examine Curbs on Most Potent Greenhouse Gas

  • Industry-government begin to discuss phase-down SF6 gas
  • High cost of alternative technology a roadblock for rollout
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India’s government and the power industry are exploring a possible phase down of what’s considered to be the most potent greenhouse gas, although high costs of alternatives stand in the way of a regulation.

Sulfur hexafluoride gas, or SF6, which is used as an insulator in power transmission equipment, has a warming potential that’s 23,500 times that of carbon dioxide. It’s found in circuit breakers and switchgears, the demand for which is surging due to the government’s push for more electrification.