Minimizing the Potential of SF6 Gas Emission

PLN P3B Jawa Bali (JB) has been operating GIS installations for years wherein SF6 gas is applied as the insulating material. Despite of its superior well-known characteristics (colorless, odorless, tasteless, non-toxic and having density of five times of air), SF6 might be inhaled and causing reduction of oxygen content in human blood. According to Kyoto Protocol, an international consensus to preserve ozone layer sponsored by the United Nations Framework Conference of Clime Change in 1998 in Japan, SF6 is one of six gases which cause greenhouse effect. It has the highest global warming potential (GWP) which is 23,900 times of that of CO2 and lasts for 3,200 years in atmosphere without any chemical reaction with other gases or compounds. Because in Indonesia GIS installation primary problem is gas leakage, which might end with SF6 deterioration, the possibility of SF6 release is quite high. Thus, PLN P3B Jawa Bali which is committed to conduct operational with friendly environmental needs to minimize the potential of SF6 emission. This paper will describe about how PLN P3B Jawa Bali deals with this issue.