generation

Sulphur hexafluoride – SF6 – is widely used in the electricity distribution industry in medium- and high-voltage installations such as substations, transformers and power stations. It is an odourless, colourless, non-flammable gas that acts as an insulator and prevents explosions and fires brought about by short circuits.

These qualities have made it the most common gas insulator for HV switchgear and use is increasing as a greater number of smaller generators come onto the grid. However, concern has been raised about the global warming potential of SF6 as use increases, perversely driven by increased demand for renewable energy.

On 9th August, Britain experienced one of the biggest power cuts in a decade as over 1,000,000 people were left without power across England and Wales. As well as thousands of homes going without power, the blackout also had a massive disruptive effect on transport with problems on the rail network and at Newcastle airport in addition to disruption for community facilities and businesses. But what lessons can be taken from the outage?

Friday 21st April 2017 was an important date in the history of electricity production in the UK. For the first time since 1882, coal provided no electricity to the National Grid as West Burton 1 power station was taken off-line for 24 hours¹. Instead gas, renewables and nuclear power filled the gap to ensure the lights did not turn out. The percentage of British electricity produced by coal burning dropped from 23% in 2015 to 9% in 2016¹, a dramatic fall, but at a time of record low oil and gas prices, it remains to be seen whether fellow fossil fuels will see similar reductions compared to renewables and what effect this may have on the test and measurement industry.