SF₆ Pledge Launch Event

At COP31, Germany will launch the Global SF₆ Pledge to support the international phase-out of sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) in the power sector. The global expansion of electricity grids is essential for the clean energy transition. Yet, without guardrails, this expansion risks locking in the use of SF₆ for decades. SF₆ is the most potent known greenhouse gas, with a global warming potential of around 24,300 times that of CO₂, and a rapidly increasing atmospheric concentration. SF₆ and is widely used in high- and medium-voltage switchgear, where leakage prevention can lead to rapid mitigation. With regard to new equipment, SF₆-free alternatives are already commercially available for key applications.

The launch event will present the Pledge and bring together governments, industry and other stakeholders to discuss opportunities to accelerate effective mitigation and deployment of SF₆-free technologies, as well as cooperation on technology transfer, financing, monitoring and reporting.