Eamon Ryan (Dublin Bay South, Green Party)
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Sulphur hexafluoride is a synthetic gas which has been used in sealed systems in in the electricity transmission network for several decades. Its use, including in wind turbines, serves to control, protect and isolate electrical equipment. Emissions of sulphur hexafluoride to the atmosphere are controlled in the EU under the F-Gas Regulation.

With a view to enhancing controls, the F-Gas Regulation has been under review since April 2022. Throughout the process, Ireland has strongly supported greater ambition in this area. An updated regulation is expected to come into force later this year which will introduce bans on the use of sulphur hexafluoride in new electrical equipment. These bans will be introduced at EU level on a phased basis between 2026 and 2032. This will build on the existing regulatory controls which include labelling and leak checking of equipment, training requirements for engineers, and gas recovery obligations during servicing and at end of life.

In recent years, new types of equipment have been developed to allow for wind turbine operation without the use of sulphur hexafluoride. This new technology will support the expansion of the renewable electricity sector while facilitating the phase out of the use of the most potent greenhouse gas. It is important to note that all equipment currently in service containing sulphur hexafluoride will be subject to the regulatory controls described above up, including the end of its service life.