What’s the Problem?
Electricity distribution network operators operate many assets containing sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), a potent greenhouse gas used in gas-insulated electrical equipment.
While the industry is transitioning to SF6-free alternatives, many existing SF6 assets will remain in service for years to come.
SF6 leaks commonly happen at connection points such as flanges, bolted joints and valves. Replacing assets (or using retrofill programmes) can remove the need for SF6, but these options are often expensive, specific to each asset and hard to use in the short term.
Additionally, SF6 is significantly heavier than air, resulting in accumulated leaked gas at ground level when a leak occurs.
- Complex asset geometries
- Restricted access
- Outage requirements
- Dependence on specialist contractors and equipment.
Current ways to detect leaks are often reactive and rely on external specialists, increasing both response times and operational costs.
Past innovation projects have looked at some parts of this problem; these include sealing leaks in small-bore pipework and looking at alternative gases and retrofill solutions.
To avoid repeating this work, those technologies are not in scope for this call for innovation.
Preferred Output
Energy networks are seeking practical, high-TRL solutions that can support with either the in-house detection, collection or repair of SF6 leaks.
The solution for detection and location must be suitable for network teams to use with minimal training or complexity.
The solution for repair must be applicable to welds, metal pipework, resin and flanges. It must be:
- Durable
- Resilient to environmental conditions
- Minimal conductivity
- Able to be removed and reapplied as necessary.
Deadline
The deadline for this opportunity is 11.59pm on 25 August 2026. Please submit your proposal above.
Questions?
If you have any questions relating to this opportunity, please email us. Your enquiry will be forwarded to the lead engineer, who will respond as soon as possible.