A high-level committee under the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has released a detailed report on adopting “Green GIS” technology for India’s power grid, marking an important step toward a cleaner and more sustainable electricity infrastructure. The report, published in April 2026, focuses on reducing the use of sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆), a gas widely used in conventional Gas Insulated Substations but known for its extremely high global warming potential.
SF₆ has been the preferred choice in the power sector for decades because of its strong insulation and arc-quenching capabilities, which help maintain reliable electricity transmission. However, its environmental impact has become a major concern as countries, including India, work toward meeting global climate goals. According to the report, SF₆ has a global warming potential more than 24,000 times higher than carbon dioxide, making it one of the most harmful greenhouse gases in use today.
To address this issue, the committee has identified Green GIS as a promising alternative. This new technology replaces SF₆ with environmentally friendly insulating mediums such as clean air combined with vacuum interruption or fluoronitrile-based gas mixtures. These alternatives are designed to deliver the same level of performance and reliability while significantly reducing environmental harm. The report highlights that these technologies are developing quickly and are already being used in some parts of the world.
One example mentioned in the report is “Blue GIS,” which uses clean air insulation along with vacuum-based interruption systems. This solution is considered climate-neutral and non-toxic, offering a safer and greener option for the power sector. However, despite these advantages, the report also points out certain challenges. The cost of Green GIS equipment is currently six to eight times higher than conventional systems, mainly because most of the technology is imported. In addition, project execution timelines are expected to be 20 to 25 percent longer due to reliance on global supply chains.
To manage these challenges, the committee has suggested a phased approach for implementation. The initial rollout will focus on pilot projects at the 132 kV voltage level, where the technology is already available from several manufacturers. These pilot projects are expected to begin between 2027 and 2028. They will help gather practical data and operational experience under Indian conditions, which is essential before large-scale adoption.
Based on the success of these pilot projects, the report sets a target for SF₆-free solutions to account for at least 10 percent of new GIS installations by 2029-30. This share is expected to grow gradually in the following years as the technology becomes more affordable and widely available.
The report also stresses the importance of developing domestic manufacturing capabilities. It suggests that existing facilities used for conventional GIS production in India can be upgraded to manufacture Green GIS systems. This move will not only reduce costs but also ensure better supply security and support local industry.
Overall, the adoption of Green GIS is seen as a key step in supporting India’s clean energy goals and strengthening its power infrastructure. It also aligns with the government’s push for self-reliance under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative. The CEA aims to create a balanced and technology-neutral framework that encourages innovation while maintaining the reliability of the national grid.
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