Sulphur Hexafluoride
The emission of 1 kg of sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) is equal to 22.8 thousand kg of CO2 equivalents
SF6 has 23,500 times greater global warming potential (GWP) than CO2 as a greenhouse gas (over a 100-year time-frame) but exists in relatively minor concentrations in the atmosphere. Its concentration in Earth's troposphere reached 11.50 parts per trillion (ppt) in October 2023, rising at 0.37 ppt/year. The increase since 1980 is driven in large part by the expanding electric power sector, including fugitive emissions from banks of SF6 gas contained in its medium- and high-voltage switchgear. Uses in magnesium, aluminium, and electronics manufacturing also hastened atmospheric growth.