Global Mitigation of Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases

Global Mitigation of Non-CO2 Greenhouse Gases: Electric Power Systems

Key Points

The global abatement potential ranges from 7.5 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MtCO₂e) to 42.8 MtCO₂e in 2030.
Abatement measures include technologies and handling practices to manage sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) emissions and prevent leakage during servicing and disposal.
The abatement potential at cost-effective carbon prices ($5/tCO₂e or less) is projected to reduce baseline emissions by 56% in 2030.

Sector Description

Electric power systems (EPSs) use transmission and distribution equipment that contains SF₆, a potent greenhouse gas with a global warming potential 23,900 times that of carbon dioxide. Emissions occur through unintentional leaking of equipment and improper handling practices during servicing and disposal. Global baseline emissions from this sector were estimated at 44 MtCO₂e in 2010. Emissions are projected to increase to 64 MtCO₂e in 2030, a 45% increase.

2030 emissions from electric power systems are projected to be 64 million MtCO2e, or 0.5% of total non-CO2 emissions. Projected 2030 top five emitting countries for electric power systems are China, the United States, India, Brazil, and South Korea. View or download the full-size image here.(122 K, PNG)

Emissions Reduction Potential

Assuming full implementation of current technology, emissions in the electric power systems sector could be reduced by up to 43 MtCO₂e in 2030. This accounts for 1% of the 4,615 MtCO₂e in global reduction potential in 2030.

Potential for SF6 reductions from the electric power systems sector: Emissions with full implementation of current technology could be reduced by up to 43 MtCO2e, or 1% of the 4,615 MtCO2e in global reduction potential for non-CO2 GHGs in 2030. View or download the full-size image here.(101 K, PNG)

Abatement Potential

Global abatement potential in this sector is projected to be 34 MtCO₂e in 2020 and 43 MtCO₂e in 2030, which corresponds to approximately two-thirds of the business as usual (BAU) baseline emissions, respectively. Significant reductions are available at relatively low cost. For example, emissions reduction technologies that cost up to $5 per tCO₂e, can reduce emissions by 35 MtCO₂e, accounting for 84% of the technologically feasible emissions reductions in 2030.

2030 baseline projected global SF6 emissions from electric power systems: It would be cost-effective to reduce emissions by 12% compared to the baseline. An additional 55% reduction is available using technologies with increasingly higher costs. It would be cost-effective to reduce emissions by 12%, compared to the baseline, in 2030. An additional 55% reduction is available using technologies with increasingly higher costs.

View or download the full-size image here.(37 K, PNG)

Abatement Measures

Abatement measures that reduce emissions in the EPS sector include SF₆ recycling, leak detection and repair (LDAR), equipment refurbishment, and improved SF₆ handling. These new technologies and handling practices have largely been adopted in Europe and Japan. SF₆ recycling is commonly practiced in the United States, but there remains significant potential for further reductions through improved SF₆ handling and upgraded or refurbished equipment.

Achievable reductions in electric power systems SF6 emissions, by technology, in 2030. The solid bars show reductions achievable at a cost less than $0/tCO2e, and the fading bars show the reductions achievable at a higher prices. Emissions reductions by technology in 2030 at $0/tCO₂e and at higher prices.

View or download the full-size image here.(39 K, PNG)

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