Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a colorless, non-flammable, non-toxic gas which is an excellent electrical insulator – hence its extensive use in electrical equipment, especially electric power generation and transmission. The problem is that SF6 is 23,900 times more potent a greenhouse gas than CO2, and it is extremely long-lived: lasting 800-3,200 years in the atmosphere.
Between 2008 and 2018, annual emissions of SF6 rose 24%, to 9,000 tonnes a year. The rise reflects increased demand for electrical equipment. SF6 is especially helpful in high-voltage electrical gear.
Most so-called “green” energy technologies, including solar (e.g., photovoltaics), wind, and hydroelectric, generate electricity. Contrary to the outrageous claims of their promoters, none of these technologies is environmentally benign or sustainable.
References:
Peter G. Simmonds et al, “The increasing atmospheric burden of the greenhouse gas sulfur hexafluoride (SF6),” Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (23 June 2020).
Piers Forster et al, “Changes in atmospheric constituents and in radiative forcing,” Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (2007).