Editorial: The development of eco-friendly insulating gases and SF6-free equipment for ‘net-zero’

Developing low-carbon gas insulated transmission and distribution equipment is essential to achieve the ‘carbon peak, carbon neutralisation’ or ‘net-zero’ in the power industry. Scholars have carried out various research on the eco-friendly insulating gas (such as C₄F₇N, C₅F₁₀O) and next-generation SF₆-free equipment to gradually reduce the utilisation of strong greenhouse gas SF₆.

The cover of this issue is inspired by the allusions of the “Year Beast” in Chinese traditional culture. It is said that in ancient times, every New Year's Eve there would be a murderous “Year Beast” attacking the world, and the people drove it away with firecrackers. These habits have gradually become the customs of the New Year. Coinciding with the Chinese Lunar New Year, the authors compare the “discharge” that threatens the safety of gas insulated equipment to the “Year Beast”. The traditional insulating gas SF₆ incarnates as an ‘immortal’ to protect the insulation safety of equipment for a long time. However, due to the greenhouse effect of SF₆, its use is gradually limited. At the same time, the eco-friendly insulating gas is like the ‘pupil’ that gradually jointly resist the discharge with SF₆ to ensure the safe and stable operation of power equipment.

In the future, the development of eco-friendly insulating gases and SF₆-free equipment will further ensure the safety of the power grid and protect the lights of all households. On the occasion of the Spring Festival, we wish all scholars and readers a happy New Year!