Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 25 July 2023
74. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for the Environment, Climate and Communications his views on the use of sulphur hexafluoride also known as SF6, in the switch gears of wind turbines; if he is aware of its description as one of the world's most potent greenhouse gases; if he plans to ban the use of this greenhouse gas in Ireland; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35859/23]
View answerF-gases consist of emissions of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) Sulphur Hexafluoride (SF6) and Nitrogen trifluoride (NF 3). Emissions from F-gases have decreased by 14.5% from 2019 to 2020, following a decrease of 1.4% in 2019. These decreases are mainly due to changes in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector where high global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbons are being phased out in favour of low-GWP alternatives.
SF6 is used in electricity distribution networks, semiconductor manufacture and several other areas, often in appliances where suitable alternatives are not currently available or would be cost prohibitive to replace. Management of SF6 is subject to training requirements and equipment bans in order to reduce emissions and only qualified personnel are permitted to install and maintain equipment
F-gases are currently managed at the EU level through Regulation (EU) Number 517/2014 which controls use, training, quotas and illegal trade. This regulation is currently under review. The EU proposes to further regulate to raise ambition regarding the phase-down in the use of F-gases, which will facilitate Ireland, and the EU as a whole, in meeting our climate commitments in the coming years.
