SF6 SF6 (or Sulphur Hexafluoride) had been the standard gas used inside high voltage electrical equipment as an insulating and arc-quenching medium. However, SF6 SF6 is also listed as an extremely potent greenhouse gas according to the Kyoto protocol, with 25,200 times the comparative Global Warming Potential of CO2 and a lifetime of 3,200 years in the atmosphere. With grid operators across the world becoming increasingly concerned about the environmental impact, GE offers a commercially available and viable alternative to SF6 SF6 to help utilities and industries reduce their environmental impact.
INTRODUCING g3 G3 INSULATING AND SWITCHING GAS
g3, G3 (pronounced "g" cubed) is GE's game-changing alternative to SF6 SF6 gas, developed for HV electrical transmission equipment.
g3 products feature the same ratings and same dimensional footprint as the state-of-the-art SF6 ones, with a drastically reduced environmental impact: more than 99% less gas global warming potential (GWP), comparatively. g³ products have a significantly improved life cycle assessment (LCA) compared with SF6 products and other alternatives. In addition, with product dimensions remaining the same, there is no major increase of raw materials, thus no pollution transfer induced on any other environmental indicators. Also, g3 products operate with no restriction under the same temperature range as SF6 products (down to -30°C).
Like SF6, g3 is non-toxic and not flammable. It falls in the same safety class as SF6.
Recognizes potential of GE's g³ gas to help cut global greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrating that g³ technology can be applied to all other high-voltage levels of Europe's electrical networks.
Second GE's g³ gas project to be co-funded by the EU within two years. New g³ gas 245 kV circuit-breaker will be scalable to other high-voltage levels across Europe's electrical grids.
First award relates to the development of a SF₆-free 245 kV dead tank circuit-breaker. Second award will focus on the life cycle management of g³ products.
This is the third project co-funded by the EU within 4 years. This new g³ 245 kV GIS will play an important role in meeting demand for compact SF₆-free substations in urban areas, as well as offshore projects
g³ insulating and switching gas is a proven alternative to SF6 SF6 that provides technical, environmental and financial advantages.
g³ is a fully type-tested gas mixture that provides the same technical performance as SF6, SF6 while reducing the environmental impact.
This collection of videos and industry expert talks explores SF6-free SF6-free insulating gas for HV switchgear and the impacts on the environment between various mixtures including SF6 SF6 versus g³. Discover what GE's g³ replacement for SF6 SF6 gas means for HV equipment.
Better for the Grid and Better for the Planet, learn more about
g³ G3 insulating and switching gas by contacting one of our technical experts
