Europe: Italy is calling on the EU to postpone a planned ban on certain high-voltage switchgear technologies that use climate-damaging gases, arguing that the move could distort competition in Europe’s power equipment market.
The debate centres on sulphur hexafluoride, or SF₆, a gas widely used in switchgear because of its strong insulating and arc-quenching properties. However, SF₆ is also an extremely powerful greenhouse gas, with a global warming effect far higher than CO₂. The EU has therefore adopted a step-by-step phase-out of its use in switchgear.
From 2028, the EU is expected to allow only vacuum-based high-voltage switchgear technology for certain applications. Siemens Energy is the biggest supplies of this technology, with GE Vernova and Hitachi Energy supporting an alternative solution using a lower-impact F-gas.
According to the report, Italy has asked Brussels to “stop the clock” on the upcoming restrictions, warning that the current approach could create bottlenecks, increase costs and strengthen dependence on a limited group of suppliers.
Siemens Energy has defended the 2028 deadline as a balanced approach, although the company acknowledged that its technology may be more expensive than competing alternatives. EU research cited in the report suggests that some solutions could cost around 40 % more.
The issue has already drawn attention from several countries. France previously raised concerns, supported by Sweden, Romania, Ireland and others. Grid operators have also warned that relying on one technology pathway could increase supply chain pressure, extend delivery times and raise costs.
The dispute highlights the complex balance between climate policy, technology choice, industrial competition and the urgent need to expand Europe’s electricity grid.
Source: Euractiv
