NDE Germany Hosts Learning Event on SF6 free technologies
NDE Germany, in collaboration with the Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN) and the German Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK), hosted a three-day learning exchange focused on decarbonizing electrical transmission and distribution grids through regulations and policies fostering a phase-out of SF6.
The event, which took place in Berlin from 5 – 7 July, 2023 gathered around 40 participants, including stakeholders from energy ministries and utilities across 11 developing countries in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, and Asia-Pacific regions. Representatives from Chile, Mexico, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, Lebanon, Thailand, Timor Leste, Vietnam, and Senegal joined technology providers, environmental and financial institutions, and other experts to address the climate impacts of SF6, accurate SF6 usage reporting, and the adoption of SF6-free technologies. Participants visited Siemens AG, Siemens Energy, and Nuventura facilities to learn about innovations in SF6-free switchgear. They were accompanied by the HEAT team for the NDE Germany, Dietram Oppelt, Claudia Becker, Lennart Pantel and Anders McCarthy, in cooperation with the CTCN.
Dietram Oppelt, Senior Advisor in the implementing office of NDE Germany, highlighted the event’s objective to “bridge the knowledge divide” and enable stakeholders to make informed decisions regarding their energy systems. Participants gained insights into best practices from the European Union and the United States on F-gas regulation and enforcement, learning about effective strategies for managing F-gas emissions.
Concerns included a lack of awareness, environmental impact, reporting obligations, and the urgency of integrating SF6 regulations into Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategies (LT-LEDS).
“By collaborating, learning, and working together, we can accelerate sustainable technologies and create a cleaner, more environmentally friendly energy environment,” Oppelt stated.
HEAT GmbH, who manages the implementing office of the NDE Germany, on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) is committed to accelerating progress towards a resilient and clean energy system.
