The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released a report on the use of green GIS technology in the Indian grid. The report highlights that Gas Insulated Substations (GIS) are widely used in power transmission due to their compact design and reliability, especially in space-constrained areas. However, due to the high global warming potential of SF₆, which is primarily used in conventional GIS as the insulating medium, increasing attention is being given to the development and adoption of alternative insulating technologies.
To address this, the CEA established a technical committee to examine the adoption of Green GIS in India. The report states that multiple SF₆-free or Green GIS technologies are being developed and deployed globally and identifies key alternatives such as fluoronitrile-based mixtures and clean air with vacuum interruption.
The report further emphasises a phased implementation strategy, noting that a phased and cautious approach would be appropriate with initial deployment through pilot projects at lower voltage levels. It also highlights the importance of domestic manufacturing, stating that the development of indigenous manufacturing capability is identified as an important factor for long-term adoption.
Additionally, the report underlines the need for financial support mechanisms, noting that incentives such as the Green Innovation Fund in Japan and the EU Life Fund have been used globally to promote SF₆-free technologies, and similar frameworks may be required in India to accelerate adoption.
