Sulphur Hexafluoride

The Australian Greenhouse Office is the lead Commonwealth agency on greenhouse matters

DISCUSSION PAPER:

SULPHUR HEXAFLUORIDE AND THE ELECTRICITY

SUPPLY INDUSTRY

Please send comments by COB 20 April 2001 to:

Tim ArmstrongIndustry Adviser, Greenhouse ChallengeAustralian Greenhouse Office

Email: [email protected]

Ph : +61 2 6274 1785Fax: +61 2 6274 1913

GPO Box 621Canberra, ACT 2601

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Executive Summary

The Australian Government has committed to reducing and reporting onits cumulative greenhouse gas emissions, including sulphurhexafluoride (SF6).

This discussion paper includes a proposal for the extension andstrengthening of voluntary commitments between Government and theelectricity supply industry to ensure reporting of sulphur hexafluoride(SF6) emissions and maximisation of abatement. It suggests thatcompanies and the Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) discuss andagree:• An approach for reporting SF6 emissions from industry; and• To develop Australian or accept international guidelines on the

appropriate handling and management of SF6 by the Australianelectricity supply industry.

The possibility of Government financial support to facilitate theintroduction of SF6 laser cameras for leak detection is also canvassed.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS ...........................................................................................III

1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................1

2 BACKGROUND...............................................................................................2

3 POLICY DEVELOPMENT................................................................................5

3.1 PROCESS. 5

3.2 PROPOSED APPROACH 8

4 PROPOSAL FOR REPORTING EMISSIONS................................................10

4.1 ISSUES 10

4.2 PROPOSED APPROACH FOR REPORTING 11

5 ESTABLISHING GUIDELINES......................................................................13

6 GOVERNMENT FACILITATION OF LASER IMAGING CAMERA FOR LEAKDETECTION ..................................................................................................14

APPENDICES..........................................................................................................17

APPENDIX A: SF6 EMISSIONS INVENTORY REPORTING PROTOCOL 17

APPENDIX B: SUMMARY OF “PROCEEDINGS OF THE AUSTRALIAN GREENHOUSE OFFICE &TRANSMISSION INDUSTRY WORKSHOP, WITH FOCUS ON SF6" NOVEMBER10TH, 2000”. 19

APPENDIX C: DISTRIBUTION OF DISCUSSION PAPER 22

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1 Introduction

The Australian Greenhouse Office (AGO) is the lead Commonwealth agencyon greenhouse matters and was established to provide a whole ofgovernment approach to greenhouse matters. The AGO is responsible for thecoordination of domestic climate change policy, the delivery ofCommonwealth programs, and provides a central point of contact forstakeholder groups.

The National Greenhouse Strategy (NGS) provides the strategic frameworkfor advancing Australia’s domestic greenhouse response. Measure 7.2 of theNGS calls for the development of environmental management strategies(EMS) for synthetic gases through coordinated action by all jurisdictions inconsultation with industry. Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is one of thesesynthetic gases and emissions occur from its use in metals processing andthe electricity supply industry. Its use in the electricity supply industry is anarea that needs closer attention from both government and industry, ascurrent information on emissions and abatement action is unclear.

It is proposed the AGO in conjunction with industry develop an EMS for SF6

used by the electricity supply industry primarily through the proven vehicle ofthe Greenhouse Challenge. The Greenhouse Challenge program, initiated in1995, seeks to assist Australian industry reduce greenhouse emissions, andenhance greenhouse gas sinks. The program promotes partnerships betweenthe Commonwealth and individual enterprises.

Most companies in the electrical supply industry are active members of theGreenhouse Challenge and are also the most significant users of SF6 inAustralia. Accordingly, the Greenhouse Challenge on behalf of theCommonwealth Government is the appropriate forum for engaging theseenterprises, as well as other auxiliary and related sectors.

The overall goal of improved management of SF6 is to abate greenhouse gasemissions and mitigate future climate change. This discussion paper is aninitial step in the process of establishing and implementing best practicemanagement of SF6 in the electricity supply industry as part of a voluntaryagreement between Government and industry.

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2 Background

Australia and other members of the international community agreed, becauseof the risk climate change poses, to institute precautionary measures toanticipate, prevent or minimise the causes of climate change and mitigate itsadverse effects. Australia is a party to the United Nations FrameworkConvention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), and has subsequently signed, butnot as yet ratified, the Kyoto Protocol.

While Government and industry have made real steps in managinggreenhouse gas emissions, more needs to be done. Australia’s netgreenhouse gas emissions for 1998 (the most recent data available) were455.9 million tonnes carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e), compared to 389.8Mt CO2-e in 1990. Emissions in 1998 represent a 5.2% increase since 1997and a 16.9% increase from the 1990 baseline. The key message is that it willbe challenging for Australia to meet its international commitments.

Figure 1: Total National emissions 1990 - 1998 - excluding land clearing

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1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998

Mt C

O2-

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While this task represents a major challenge, further analysis has indicatedthat by looking at low-cost abatement opportunities across all of the economy,significant further mitigation is possible.

While most greenhouse gas emissions result from the combustion of fossilfuels, a number of synthetic gases are included in Australia's target of 108%of 1990 emissions for the period from 2008 to 2012. While the quantities ofemissions of these gases are currently comparatively small, their globalwarming potential is up to thousands of times more than carbon dioxide – SF6

is 23,900 times more potent than carbon dioxide. They are increasinglybecoming a focus of attention internationally and by domestic stakeholdersdue to their potency and because they are emitted across diverse industries.

The main use of SF6 globally is in electricity transmission and distribution,which accounts for approximately 80 per cent of use. These industries use

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SF6 for electrical insulation, arc quenching, and current interruption inequipment used in the transmission and distribution of electricity. Most of theSF6 used in electrical equipment is used in gas insulated switchgear (GIS)and circuit breakers, although some SF6 is used in high voltage gas-insulatedtransmission lines and other equipment. International data suggests thathandling losses results in 80 to 85% of all SF6 emissions from the electricitysupply industry, with leakages from equipment representing between 15 and20% of emissions.

Australia’s SF6 emissions have, to date, not been a topic of policy focus foreither the Commonwealth or industry. SF6 emissions have been estimatedfrom information collected from indirect sources. There has been nomethodology established to measure accurately and completely SF6 usageand emissions from various industry sectors. Reporting of SF6 emissions hasoccurred only through Greenhouse Challenge, and largely on an ad hocbasis. Consequently, the data received to date has been inadequate forinclusion in the National Greenhouse Gas Inventory.

The Commonwealth's approach to synthetic greenhouse gas emissions,including SF6 emitted by the electricity supply industry, reflects the nationalpolicy framework and key programs in place. These stress the need for acooperative approach between Government and industry in managing the useand limiting the emissions of synthetic greenhouse gases.

• The National Greenhouse Strategy is a major policy initiative of theCommonwealth, State and Territory governments. It provides the strategicframework for Australia's greenhouse response and is the primarymechanism through which our international commitments will be met. TheNGS includes measure 7.2 states that, “Governments will work withindustry to develop environmental management strategies for each of thesynthetic gases included in the Kyoto Protocol – HFCs, PFCs and SF6.The strategy for HFCs will address the use of HFCs in non-refillablecontainers.”

• The Greenhouse Challenge is a key voluntary program, involving apartnership between Government and industry to reduce greenhouse gasemissions. There is broad and diverse participation in the program, withover 500 signed agreements with large and medium sized organisations,and almost 300 more formally indicating their commitment to join theprogram. A large number of companies and organisations involved insynthetic gas issues - including for example importers of gases, electricitytransmission and distribution companies, and the metals industries - aremembers of Greenhouse Challenge.

With the commitment period of the Kyoto Protocol (2008-12) nearing, it iscritical that we have a thorough understanding of our national emissionsprofile. One of the few remaining gaps is that of SF6 emissions, particularly inthe electricity supply industry. This paper is a part of the process ofGovernment further engaging with the electricity supply industry aboutgreenhouse issues. It details a series of proposals in order to ensure that

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emissions of SF6 are appropriately reported and that Government supportsindustry in taking cost-effective steps to limit emissions of SF6.

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3 Policy development

A voluntary approach to managing SF6 in the electricity supply industry, asoutlined in this paper, offers certain advantages to Government andcompanies.1 The Government wants an approach that allows it to workcollaboratively with industry to reduce SF6 emissions to technically andeconomically feasible levels—thereby helping to avoid global climate change.The electricity supply industry has an opportunity to help reduce the nation’sSF6 emissions through cost-effective operational improvements, while gainingcost-effective pollution prevention, information sharing, and positive companyrecognition. Additionally, as SF6 is an expensive gas, reducing emissions canreduce companies' costs.

This chapter explains the process by which Government has and will continueto engage the electricity supply industry and the broad details of the proposedpolicy approach. Specifics on the proposed approach are detailed in thefollowing chapters.

Companies should also note that there is the potential for economy-wideinstruments to be adopted which might encompass the electricity supplyindustry. These include both emissions trading and credit for early action.For more information see http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/emissionstrading/paper.htmland http://www.greenhouse.gov.au/emissionstrading/early_credits.pdf

3.1 Process

The first phase of an ongoing process was undertaken in November 2000.The AGO held a workshop with representatives from the electricitytransmission industry to clarify the current situation, and canvass views onappropriate directions in developing a national approach for SF6 managementin the electricity supply industry. The workshop was received well by industryrepresentatives and a strong foundation for cooperation and recognition of theneed for better control of SF6 emissions was established. Workshopoutcomes can be found at Appendix B. A summary of some of the keyfindings include:• International experience suggests approximately 85% of SF6 emissions

occur during handling/recycling/decanting processes. Therefore, attentionand education is needed in this area.

• Self regulation and voluntary arrangements should be fully explored priorto any legislative/regulative requirements to govern SF6 use beingpursued.

• ‘Best practice’ SF6 handling procedures should be included as conditionsof contract for subcontracted installations.

1 The approach outlined here mirrors many of the components of the US EPA approach. Formore information on the US approach see http://www.epa.gov/highgwp1/sf6/index.html

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• It is critical that emission reductions achieved can be demonstrated in theNational Greenhouse Gas Inventory.

As a result of the workshop, the Australian Greenhouse Office agreed toprepare a discussion paper on the various elements that could be part of anational approach to SF6 emission control. It will be circulated to those whoparticipated in the workshop, other industry representatives and stakeholdersand government officers. See Appendix C for the distribution list.

This paper provides the background to a workshop to be held in May of thisyear. Following receipt of comments, the AGO will liaise with experts in theelectricity supply industry to fine-tune the proposed approach prior to theworkshop. It is likely that additional papers on suggested guidelines will becirculated prior to the workshop.

The AGO will facilitate workshop/s in May, which will be designed to seekindustry input on the proposals presented in this discussion paper and asamended by industry experts. General information to be covered will includeinternational data on SF6 emissions and the electricity supply industry and anupdate on overarching policy development relating to greenhouse, includingemissions trading and credit for early action. Particular issues to be discussedinclude:

• Proposals for the electricity supply industry to report on SF6 emissions

• Proposals on guidelines for SF6 management and handling in theelectricity supply industry;

• Proposals for support for, and/or, operation of, laser imaging cameras;

• The mechanisms for how industry and Government can formalise anagreed approach; and

• The details of the necessary steps in finalising the agreed approach.

It is expected that Government and the electricity supply industry will haveagreement on reporting of SF6 emissions with the first reporting periodbeginning in July 2001. Additionally, it is expected that the workshop willreach an in-principle decision for both the guidelines for SF6 management andhandling and a conclusion about the mechanisms by which these will beformally agreed. The AGO aims to reach agreement on SF6 handlingguidelines through the agreed forum by September 2001.

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Timeline for development of national approach to SF6 management inthe electricity supply industry

Timing ActionReporting Guidelines Abatement

actionsNovember 2000 Initial workshop with transmission companiesJanuary 2001 Draft discussion paper circulated to controlled distribution

groupFebruary 2001 Comments on Draft discussion paper received from controlled

distribution groupMarch 2001 Final discussion paper circulatedMarch 2001 NGGI committee

meeting to endorsedraft data reportingproposal

March-April 2001 AGO work withindustry to make adetailed proposalof guidelines forworkshop.

GreenhouseChallenge explorepossible options forproviding supportfor laser imagingcameras

May 2001 Workshop with whole electricity supply industry to discuss:• Reporting• Guidelines• Abatement opportunities• Establishing indicators to benchmark effectiveness of

voluntary approachA mechanism for industry and Government to formalise andimplement any outcomes needs to be agreedPublish and circulate workshop proceedingsMay 2001

Finalise anygovernmentsupport forabatement actionsrelating to SF6

May/August 2001 Engage industry inagreement(throughmechanismdiscussed atworkshop)

Engage industry toseek agreement onacceptableguidelines (throughmechanism agreedat workshop)

June 2001 Final consensus oncontent andimplementation ofreporting

June 2001 Seek final NGGICommitteeendorsement ofproposedmethodology

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1 July 2001 Commence firstreporting period

September 2001 Finalise agreementon guidelines

Industry submitsGreenhouseChallenge report,includingcommitment toundertake SF6

managementaccording toreporting andguidelines.

November 2001 Publish andcirculate finalguidelines

30 June 2002 End 1st reportingperiod

1 July 2002 2nd reporting periodstarts

1 October 2002 Industry reports toAGO due

November 2002 Review reportingprocedures.Process to bedetermined.

24 December 2002 Deadline forreporting for 1st

period2005 (unlesstriggered earlier)

Review of approach for SF6 use in the electricity supplyindustry

3.2 Proposed approach

The AGO proposes to establish a voluntary approach with the electricitysupply industry in order to manage SF6 use and emissions. There are threemain elements to the proposed approach, which are detailed in the followingchapters, including:

• An agreed format for reporting SF6 emissions;

• Agreed guidelines relating to SF6 handling; and

• Possible provision of support by Greenhouse Challenge to electricitysupply companies for operation of laser-imaging cameras to detect SF6

leaks.

There are several additional issues that need to be addressed for a voluntaryapproach between Government and the electricity supply industry to workeffectively and equitably. These issues will be discussed at the workshop atwhich time specific proposals will be presented. The proposed approachmust be:

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Comprehensive. Government and the electricity supply industry needto ensure that industry coverage is comprehensive: agreement byindustry needs to include acceptance by all major players;

Effective. It is proposed that Government and industry establishindicators to benchmark the effectiveness of this approach.Government and industry should also agree that if benchmarks are notmaintained, then an early review of the approach will be triggered; and

Subject to Review. Government and the electricity supply industry needto acknowledge that current conditions will not remain constant. It isproposed that a future review of approach for SF6 use in the electricitysupply industry occurs at an agreed time and includes bothGovernment and industry. It is proposed that a review occur in 2005,or earlier if the response does not prove to be comprehensive and/oreffective.

The AGO will discuss these issues with industry experts prior to the workshopand will make specific proposals at that time, but comments on these issuesprior to the workshop are appreciated.

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4 Proposal for Reporting Emissions

Australia prepares a National Greenhouse Gas Inventory (NGGI) annuallyand to date has produced one for each year since 1990. The NGGI reportson human-induced greenhouse gas emissions in six sectors: Energy,Agriculture, Industrial Processes, Waste, Solvent and Other Product Use, andLand Use Change and Forestry. Details are provided on emissions of allgreenhouse gases, including SF6.

The publication of the NGGI fulfils both an international commitment under theUnited Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) andour domestic requirements. The NGGI is an important policy tool inunderpinning the development of greenhouse gas reduction measures and inmonitoring and reviewing these measures, as well as assessing progresstowards our national emission reduction target.

SF6 emissions from electricity supply and distribution, however, are notcurrently reported in Australia’s NGGI, due to lack of data. In order to meetour international obligations, the AGO’s goal is to identify a straight-forwardreporting method that provides an accurate estimate of emissions withoutbeing overly resource intensive.

Reporting of SF6 is currently undertaken through Greenhouse Challenge,though it is not uniformly reported, and not to the detail required for the NGGI.The proposed approach outlined below would fulfil NGGI and GreenhouseChallenge reporting requirements, and should also assist in identifyingabatement opportunities. This latter point will be explored further in Section 5.

4.1 Issues

Reporting method• Australia is well regarded internationally for the quality and

completeness of its NGGI, however SF6 emissions data from electricitysupply and distribution continue to be an area of concern due to thecontinuing lack of data.

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change provides guidelinesand options for reporting SF6 emissions from electricity supply anddistribution. The options span a range from:

1. estimating ‘potential’ emissions by assuming emissionsequal consumption; to

2. estimating ‘actual’ emissions through an analysis at eachstage of the life cycle.

The AGO is not proposing either of the above ends of the reportingspectrum, but a point in between.

The estimation of ‘potential’ emissions involves less resources,however the accuracy is diminished considerably. The estimation of‘actual’ emissions involves more resources, however the estimates are

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far more accurate and enable abatement opportunities to be moreeasily identified.

The aim of the consultation process is to work with industry to strike abalanced methodology that results in the provision of robust data whileavoiding onerous reporting requirements for industry.

Coverage• To ensure completeness, industry emissions must be fully represented

in the reported data.

Historic SF6 emissions• Under the Kyoto Protocol, Australia will be required to report SF6

emissions data from either 1990 or 1995. Therefore it is important theAGO work with industry to get a thorough understanding of historicalemissions.

4.2 Proposed approach for reporting

With industry cooperation, NGGI requirements for SF6 emissions data shouldbe able to be satisfied through a voluntary reporting process.

The reporting methodology being considered for use in the NGGI is based ona model currently in use by the US EPA. It was developed in consultationwith industry and has been well accepted in the US. The proposedmethodology involves the determination of additions and subtractions to anenterprise’s SF6 inventory plus changes in total nameplate capacity. Thisprovides an estimate of ‘actual’ emissions for each enterprise. The reportinginstructions and table can be found in Appendix 1.

Companies would be required to report to the AGO on an annual basis,through Greenhouse Challenge. The reporting period would be based on thefinancial year (as is the current standard for the NGGI), with a submission duewithin six months, that is, by December of each year. The overwhelmingmajority of enterprises using SF6 in the electricity supply industry alreadyreport to Greenhouse Challenge on this basis. The AGO seeks to minimisereporting requirements for industry by utilising existing procedures. In order toreport, it would be preferable, although not necessary for enterprises to bemembers of the Greenhouse Challenge. The Greenhouse Challenge wouldbe the channel through which the Industry would report.

It is proposed that the first reporting period be 1 July 2001 – 30 June 2002,with the first report being submitted by December of 2002. A review of thereporting process would then be undertaken by the AGO in the first quarter of2003 to ensure all parties’ objectives are being met. Outcomes of this reviewwould then be circulated to industry, along with feedback relating to individualenterprise emissions profile compared to an industry average. Enterprisespecific feedback would be conveyed to individual companies on aconfidential basis.

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Information on historical data will be sought prior to the completion of the firstreporting period. A different methodology to that proposed for currentemissions may be required to estimate historic emissions due to datarestrictions. The AGO will discuss with individual companies the parametersinfluencing emissions and the availability and format of historic data.

SF6 data provided to the AGO will only be reported on an aggregate basis inthe NGGI. Data would be treated as commercial-in-confidence and not beused to compile State and Territory Inventories, unless agreed to by industry.State and Territory Agencies have expressed an interest to use the data forinternal policy purposes.

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5 Establishing Guidelines

In order to support mitigation of SF6 emissions from the electricity supplyindustry, it is proposed that companies and the AGO agree to a set ofmutually acceptable guidelines concerning the handling and management ofSF6 use in the Australian electricity supply industry. These could include:

• Maintenance of equipment using SF6;

• Handling procedures during charging or recharging;

• Storage of SF6 including decanting, and handling of cylinders; and

• Recovery, recycling and destruction of SF6.

The AGO is not in a position to dictate what these standards should be.Rather, it is proposed that - at least as a first stage - international standardsfrom international industry associations or similar bodies (eg InternationalCouncil on Large Electric Systems (CIGRE) or Electric Power ResearchInstitute (EPRI)) should be used, with modifications made as necessary forAustralian conditions. These would be negotiated between the electricitysupply industry and the Government.

Over the next several months, the AGO will discuss possible guidelines withindustry experts to order to prepare a select list. These would be circulated tothe industry prior to the workshop(s) and to ensure a focussed discussion atthese fora. The aim of the workshop(s) will be to clarify possible guidelinesand reach in-principle agreement. Industry and Government would work, asdetailed above, to formally agree these guidelines through a mechanismidentified at the workshop by September 2001.

A necessary element of the guidelines would be that companies would needto commit and report on their progress of meeting these guidelines. Thiscould be done, where companies have agreements, through GreenhouseChallenge.

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6 Government Facilitation of Laser Imaging Camera forLeak Detection

There are two main sources of SF6 fugitive emissions:

• Escaped gas during handling, decanting, recycling etc. This includesspills and venting (estimated at approximately 80% of emissions).

• Gradual leakage of SF6 from transformers and switchgear. This may bethrough loose nuts, split seams, rusted covers etc.

The guidelines proposed in Section 5 are aimed at minimising SF6 emissionsfrom handling. The guidelines will not reduce emissions from leaks inelectrical supply equipment.

Detecting SF6 leakage is difficult because SF6 is colourless and odourless,and most electrical equipment will continue to operate effectively when up to10% of design gas has been lost from the system. Leakage rates are low –with typical loss rates of between 1 and 3% per year. Leaks may continuewithout detection for some time. When losses are detected (by failure orunderperformance of equipment) recharging may result in further fugitive SF6

emissions during handling. Further, even though the equipment is recharged,the source of the leakage may not be discovered, and the problem may beongoing.

The ability to identify leaks as part of an ongoing maintenance regime wouldreduce emissions from leaks, as well as reduce the risk of emissions fromsubsequent handling losses when equipment is recharged. Laser-imagingcameras (LICs) are a technical innovation that has recently become viable asa method of leak detection. The camera detects SF6 by refraction of laserlight, and captures the information on conventional video. LICs can detect SF6

leakage down to 50g/day, and specifically down to the single nut or flangewhich has the leak.

Participants in the November workshop with transmission companies and theAGO agreed that:

“This new technology appears to be an excellent opportunity for theidentification and rectification of SF6 leakage from equipment. As such,AGO encourages and endorses developments in this area. AGO willlook at practical ways of assisting in the implementation of the camerause.”

The AGO is not in a position to purchase LICs, nor to provide technicalexpertise relating directly to LICs. However, Greenhouse Challenge iscurrently offering financial assistance to members for the identification ofabatement actions, on a per company, dollar for dollar basis, of up to $50 000.This co-funding, available during FY 2000/01, could be used by GreenhouseChallenge members in the electricity transmission industry for the use of LICs– possibly through the engagement of an external consultant to undertake an“SF6 audit” with an LIC to identify SF6 leaks.

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It should be noted that, following dollar for dollar funding of such an audit, theAGO would expect members to address any identified leaks as actions undertheir Greenhouse Challenge cooperative agreements. Beyond this funding,the AGO would also encourage industry members to incorporate use of LICsinto ongoing maintenance plans – this would provide a longer term investmentin capacity building in SF6 management.

How will this assistance be made available?

Greenhouse Challenge Industry Advisers will act as program managers forthe consultancy. Contact should be made with an appropriate IndustryAdviser, or through the coordinator of comments for this paper. See Section 8for contact information.

What is required in the first instance is an indication from members of theirpotential interest in utilising the dollar for dollar funding for LIC relatedidentification of abatement actions.

Expressions of interest, including indicative costs and timeframes, should beprovided by potential consultants, interested in performing servicesincorporating the use of the LIC.

On the basis of information received, the AGO will contact interested membercompanies, with proposals regarding funding on a dollar for dollar basis.

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8 Engagement and Submissions

It is in the interest of government and industry that critique and comments aremade on this paper. This ensures the final outcome is of maximum benefit toall players.

This paper is designed to set the context for the workshops in May.Discussion for clarification or further information should be via the contactbelow. While it is expected and encouraged that comment and debate beundertaken at the workshops, formal submissions should be made in writing,preferably by email, to:

Tim ArmstrongIndustry Adviser,Greenhouse ChallengeAustralian Greenhouse Office

Email: [email protected]

Ph : +61 2 6274 1785Fax: +61 2 6274 1913

GPO Box 621Canberra, ACT 2601

A collection of submissions in writing received will be included as part ofpresentations at the workshop.

The period for submissions ends at COB Friday, 20 April, 2001. Submissionswill be accepted after this date, but may not be able to be fully disseminated.

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Appendices

Appendix A: SF6 EMISSIONS INVENTORY REPORTING PROTOCOL

This protocol provides a template for reporting annual SF6 emissions basedon annual changes in an enterprise’s SF6 inventory. Use of the protocolrequires the following data:• SF6 gas in inventory at the beginning and end of the reporting year

- refers to SF6 gas contained in cylinders (such as 50kg storagecylinders), gas carts, and other storage containers. It does not refer toSF6 gas held in operating equipment.

• SF6 gas additions to inventory- Refers to SF6 gas placed in stored inventory (purchases). Also

includes SF6 provided by equipment manufacturers with or inside newequipment

• SF6 gas subtractions from inventory- Refers to SF6 removed from stored inventory (ie. sales or returns)

• Changes in total nameplate capacity*

Complete Tables 1 and 2 (see the form on the following page) to estimateannual emissions. Use the comments box to describe the means used toobtain a specific quantitative value, for example, measured, estimated usingrough data, or other comments including perceived accuracy of the data. Ifthere is not enough room in the tables to record all your comments, pleaseattach additional sheets.

* ‘Total nameplate capacity’ refers to the sum total SF6 capacity of anenterprise’s equipment.

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SF6 Inventory Worksheet*

Company:___________________________

Table 1Inventory Amount (kg) Comments

A Beginning of yearB End of year

Table 2Additions to InventoryAmount (kg) Comments

1. Purchases of SF6 (includingSF6 provided by equipmentmanufacturers with or insidenew equipment)

2. SF6 returned to the site afteroffsite recycling

C Total additions (add items 1-2)

Subtractions from InventoryAmount (kg) Comments

3. Sales of SF6 (to otherentities, including the gas leftin retired breakers)

4. Return of SF6 to supplier

5. SF6 taken from storageand/or equipment disposed of

6. SF6 taken from storageand/or equipment and sentoffsite for recycling

D Total subtractions (add items3-6)

Change to Nameplate CapacityAmount (kg) Comments

7. Total nameplate capacity ofnew equipment

8. Total nameplate capacity ofretiring equipment

E Change in nameplatecapacity (subtract item 8from 7)

Total Annual Emissions = A – B + C – D – E = ____________kg

Period of Inventory: _____/_____/ _____ to _____/ _____/ _____

*Adopted from USEPA

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Appendix B: Summary of “Proceedings of the Australian GreenhouseOffice & Transmission Industry workshop, with focus on SF6" November10th, 2000”.

Greenhouse Challenge held a workshop with representatives from theelectricity transmission industry to clarify the current situation, and ‘test thewaters’ for what might be appropriate directions forward in developing nationalguidelines.

The workshop was received well by industry delegates, and a strongfoundation for cooperation, and recognition of the need for better control ofSF6 emissions was established.

One of the central tenures of the workshop that was strongly advocated wasthat of voluntary agreed participation by industry. Delegates were keen todemonstrate industry’s ability to address the issues without regulation – thesame basis on which the Greenhouse Challenge was established. The tacitunderstanding was that if voluntary Guidelines proved unsuccessful inaddressing SF6 emissions, Government would be forced to consider otheralternatives.

Other determinations in three broad areas were:

Accounting methodologies and data availability• Establishing nameplate capacity inventory at 1995 or 1990 could be

achieved;• Records of leakage rates are more difficult to obtain. Most enterprises

would only be able to supply data back to 1998 or 1999.• Back-casting estimates were agreed possible to 1990, recognising the

decrease of confidence in accuracy.• SF6 disposal is not typically undertaken, and no SF6 plant had yet been

decommissioned• Recycled SF6 is typically stockpiled.• Provision of data to the AGO was desirable, and a cooperative approach

should be pursued.• Agreed that measuring leakage was superior to assuming leakage rates,

but physical measurement of leakage rates to accuracy sought (ie to 0.1%per year) is often not possible. At best, trending information over time maybe useful for identifying equipment with possible leakage problems.

• For purposes of reporting, development of a template was supported,provided data is only used as aggregate for the NGGI, not used for State&Territory inventories, for reasons of commerciality/public profile.

• Preference for reporting SF6 emissions at a national rather than statelevel, and report emissions in kg rather than % of inventory.

SF6 Abatement• Electricity transmission and distribution equipment in Australia tends to be

very efficient as far as SF6 losses are concerned, since Australiapurchases most of its equipment through European manufacturers, who

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are highly conscious of minimising greenhouse gas emissions through SF6

losses. New equipment currently being installed has quoted leakage rateof 0.5% over 5 years, or 0.1% per year, compared with leakage rates (fromnew) of between 1% and 3% for equipment installed in the early 1980s.

• Other views were that 0.3% per year leakage were a lower bound.• A deposit-return system was not considered workable for SF6

• International experience suggests that approximately 85% of losses occurduring handling and recycling/decanting, and hence where efforts shouldbe concentrated to abate emissions. Generally it was felt that the problemwas not with procedures, but with ensuring that staff are sufficiently awareof procedures, and ensuring that they are implemented fully.

• Consensus that recycling is an accepted part of SF6 handling, and nosignificant additional abatements were to be found in recycling. Onlyseverely contaminated SF6 needs to be destroyed, and most SF6 iscurrently recycled as appropriate.

• When new equipment is supplied there is often an oversupply of chargingSF6, as a function of bottle sizing. This results in ‘new’ SF6 being readilyavailable for replenishing operations, and recycled SF6 is relegated toindefinite storage. This undermines the importance of recycling from anoperational view, and discourages exemplary implementation ofprocedures.

• There is a considerable stock of recycled SF6 stored throughout thecountry.

• In the early 1980s warranties were voided through use of recycled SF6. Inmore recent times there have been no known cases of voiding currentwarranties through use of recycled SF6.

• There may be scope to specify equipment supply contracts to includeprovision of use of recycled SF6 in charging. Alternatively, there may bescope for a supply contract in which only the charging amount is paid for,and any excess SF6 costs borne by the supplier. This should encouragemore accurate supply amounts, and increase the value of existing stock ofrecycled SF6.

• ‘Best practice’ SF6 handling procedures should be included as conditionsof contract for such subcontracted installations.

• Self regulation and voluntary arrangements should be explored prior toany legislative/regulative requirements to govern SF6 use being pursued.

• Support for development of ‘Commonwealth endorsed’ national guidelineson all aspects of SF6 management.

Future Directions for SF6 use in Australia• The total inventory and proportional use of SF6 is expected to increase

significantly in the medium term. Major upgrades, new installations androutine maintenance replacement of existing plant, are all expected to useSF6 charged equipment.

• Modern SF6 equipment will have a proportionally lower leakage rate, butthe aging of earlier equipment, and the large increase in total inventorymeans that the atmosphere will see a significant increase in SF6

emissions.• No replacements for SF6 are foreseen in the medium term.

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• Mixtures (SF6/N2, SF6/PFCs, or other mixtures) are not likely to occur inthe short to medium term due to limitations in application, and difficultywith recycling of SF6 when mixed with other gases.

• The use of vacuum equipment to replace SF6 usage is currently limited to36kV. Vacuum equipment is not seen as a significant replacement for highvoltage equipment in the foreseeable future.

• Delegates sought assurance that SF6 wouldn’t be banned, or its userestricted by the Government.

There was also discussion of a laser imaging camera for detecting leakagedown to a very low level. This is discussed further in Section 6 of this paper.

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Appendix C: Distribution of Discussion paper

Organisation Delegate Title ContactsABB David Toogood General Manager, High

Voltage SwitchgearPh: (02) 9821 0111E: [email protected]

Actew Grant Sheard Ph: (02) 6248 3624E: [email protected]

Actrol AlanWoodhouse

E: [email protected]

AES Yarra Brian Thompson Team Leader Ph: (03) 9393 3239E: [email protected]

Agas AndrewAmbrose


AGO A number of people across the AGO have worked on the discussion paper,and further comment will be drawn from them.

Alstom Bryan Foster Manager, Low, Mediumand High VoltageSwitchgear

Ph: (07) 3274 7700E: [email protected]

AtmosphericResearchCSIRO

Ian Galbally Program LeaderGreenhouse GasSources and Sinks


Atofina RaymondKnight


Aurora Barry Brumby Manager Ph: (03) 6271 6424E:[email protected]

Australian InlandEnergy andWater

Linda Heane Manager, Corporate Ph: (08) 8080 2407E: [email protected]

BOC Gases MichaelAnderson

E:[email protected]

BurnbankConsulting

Charles Jubb Director Ph: (02) 6253 0754E: [email protected]

CIGRE Steve Jones Switchgearsubcommittee, & portalto CIGRE members


CR RhodiaAustralia

Mark Clair E: [email protected]

CS Energy Gary Joy Manager - Environment& Chemistry


CS Energy Dr ChristosSpero

Manager EngineeringTechnology


Delta Electricity Gordon Deans Manager/Environment Ph: (02) 4352 6374E: [email protected]

Department ofNaturalResources andthe Environment(Vic)

Ian Porter ManagerGreenhouse Policy


Department ofUrban Services

DavidJongeneel


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(ACT)Dept NaturalResources andEnvironment (Vic)

Mark Dess Principal Policy Analyst Ph: (03) 9637 8614E: [email protected]

Dept ofEnvironment &Land Mgmt (Tas)

Dr Frank Cattell EnvironmentalOperations


Dept ofEnvironment andHeritage (SA)

Keith Plastow Principal GreenhouseAdvisor

Ph: (08) 82042023E: [email protected]

Dept ofEnvironmentalProtection (WA)

Fiona Keating A/Assistant DirectorState GreenhouseCoordinatorPolicy CoordinationDivision


Dept of Lands,Planning andEnvironment (NT)

Blair Wood DirectorNatural ResourcesDivision


Dept of Mines &Energy

Dr MichaelGabriel

A/Team Leader –Greenhouse,Renewables & EnergyEfficiency Division


Dept of Mines &Energy

Dr Jozef Latten Senior Policy OfficerEnergy & PlanningDivision


Dept of PrimaryIndustries, Waterand Environment(Tas)

John Isaac Senior Executive OfficerState/CommonwealthRelations


DISR Bruce Wilson Greenhouse ResponseBranch


Dupont Tom Drummond E: [email protected]

Edison Mission Ross Brooker Chemical &Environmental Officer


ElectraNet Dave Johnston Manager Business Risk Ph: (08) 8404 7386E: [email protected]

ElectraNet Maria Christou EnvironmentalCo-ordinator


Energex Peter White Environment Manager Ph: (07) 3407 4389E: [email protected]

Energy Australia Ben Kearney Sustainable Energy Ph: (02) 9269 7369E: [email protected]

Energy Brix Trevor Allan Chemical & EnvironmentLeader


Energy Brix Brian Davey Sales Manager Ph: (03) 9565 9733E: [email protected]

Environment ACT Terence Uren Ph: (02) 6207 2237E: [email protected]

EnvironmentAustralia

Malcolm Forbes Assistant Secretary,Sustainable Industry


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EnvironmentAustralia

Milton Catelin Director,Ozone Protection


EnvironmentProtectionAgency (Qld)

Dr Sally Driml Policy CoordinationBranch


EPRIInternational

Geoff Pollard General Manager,Australia and NZ


Eraring Energy SteveShawcross

Efficiency Engineer Ph: (02) 4973 0464E:[email protected]

Ergon Energy CarmeloCristaldi

Network EnvironmentalManager


ESAA Harry Schaap Portal to appropriateESAA members


Flinders Power Dr Rob Ainslie Manager OccupationalHealth, Safety &Environment


Great SouthernEnergy

J.M. Smith General Manager Retail Ph: (02) 6214 9803E: [email protected]

HazelwoodPower

Simon Klapish Corporate Strategist E: [email protected]

HazelwoodPower

Tony Innocenzi Engineering Manager E: [email protected]

Honeywell Eric Anderson E: [email protected]

Hydro Tasmania(Tas)

RonSteenbergen

EnvironmentalConsultant


Hydro Tasmania(Tas)

Dean Delaney Management SystemsAnalyst


Institution ofEngineers,Australia

Phil Cheesman Head, Electrical College Ph: (02) 6270 6552

Integral Energy Brian Lloyd Acting General ManagerRetail


KirbyRefrigeration

Stephen Cranch E: [email protected]

La Trobe ValleyTaskforce

Barry Dunstan Managing Director EEAGroup


Lovelocks Kevin Finn E: [email protected]

Loy Yang RichardElkington

Manager, CorporateRelations andEnvironment

Ph: (03) 5173 2992E:[email protected]

Loy Yang Dave Stickney Greenhouse ChallengeProject Manager

Ph: (03) 5173 2524E:[email protected]

MacquarieGeneration

Darren Armitage Fuel and EnvironmentOfficer


Ministry of thePremier andCabinet (WA)

Petrice Judge Assistant DirectorGeneralFederal andConstitutional Affairs


NECA Stephen Kelly Managing Director Ph: (08) 8213 6302

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NEMMCO Stephen van derMye

Managing Director Ph: (07) 3347 3020E: [email protected]

NRG GladstoneOperatingServices Pty Ltd

Kelvin Newman Ph: (07) 4976 5719E: [email protected]

NSW CabinetOffice

Peter Stevens E: [email protected]

NSW EPA Brett Stevenson Principal Policy OfficerGreenhouse


Orica JenniferBoulding


Pacific Hydro AndrewRichards

Sales and MarketingManager

Ph: (03) 9615 [email protected]

PAWA (NT) Roslyn Vulcano Manager Environmentand Water Quality


Powercor Don Mcleod Manager Research &Development


PowerLink (Qld) Adam Leslie Greenhouse ChallengeOfficer


QLD EPA Keryn Oude-Egberink


RACCA Kevin O’Shea E: [email protected]

RefrigerantReclaim Australia

Michael Bennett E: [email protected]

Siemens MichaelWaymark

General Manager, PowerTransmission andDistribution


Snowy MountainsHydro-ElectricityAuthority(SMHEA)

Paul Johnson Manager, BusinessDevelopment andMarketing


Solaris (via AGL) Peter Shaw Environment PolicyOfficer


Solpower Frank Verde E: [email protected]

SPI/GPU (Vic) Malcolm Warren Principal EnvironmentalOfficer


SPI/GPU (Vic) Greg Lukies Manager MaintenancePlanning


SPI/GPU (Vic) Jade Brain Assistant toEnvironmental Officer


StanwellCorporationLimited

Tracey Tucker Environmental Officer Ph: (07) 4930 3353E: [email protected]

Tarong Energy FrankHodgkinson

Senior EnvironmentOfficer


TransAlta Larry Pangracs Director of PantOperations, Australia


TransendNetworks P/L

Chris Scott Risk & Strategy Officer Ph: (03) 6278 6188E: [email protected]

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(Tas)TransGrid (NSW) Bruce Howard TransGrid Projects Ph: (02) 9284 3074


Transgrid (NSW) Tom Zielinski Substation MaintenanceEngineer

Fx: (02) 9284 3355E: [email protected]

TXU Renzo Negrelli Environment & BushfireMitigation Manager


United Energy Daralyn Hodge Technical ComplianceAnalyst


VASA Chris Lindeman E: [email protected]

Western PowerCorp

T. (Thambi)Krishnarajah

Primary EquipmentEngineer, TransmissionDivision


Western PowerCorp

Pelham Weir Program CoordinatorEnergy Technology &Environment


Western PowerCorp

RomanMandyczewsky

Principal ScientificOfficer


Yallourn Ray French Greenhouse ResponseManager


Sulphur Hexafluoride

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Transcript of Sulphur Hexafluoride