What is the potential global warming impact of sulfur hexafluoride over 100 years, according to the IPCC?

Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) is a potent greenhouse gas with a very high potential for global warming over a 100-year period. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), SF6 has a global warming potential (GWP) that is approximately 23,500 times greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2). This figure reflects the significant impact SF6 can have on climate change due to its ability to trap heat in the atmosphere.

Understanding the context of SF6's GWP is crucial for addressing its use and control in various industries, particularly in the electrical sector, where it is employed as an insulating and arc-extinguishing medium in high-voltage equipment. Its high GWP emphasizes the importance of managing its emissions to mitigate climate change impacts.