Ecodesign requirements for high-voltage switchgear critical to electricity grid expansion

Priority question for written answer P-001442/2026
to the Commission
Rule 144
Anna Stürgkh (Renew), Christophe Grudler (Renew), Martin Hojsík (Renew), Elisabetta Gualmini (Renew), Andreas Glück (Renew), Helmut Brandstätter (Renew)

High-voltage switchgear is essential grid equipment enabling the integration of renewable energy and preventing the propagation of blackouts. Article 13(13) of the F-Gas Regulation[1] allows fluorinated gases with global warming potential (GWP) >1 if ecodesign requirements establish that the resulting life cycle CO₂ emissions are lower than for alternatives.

However, the Commission states it will 'monitor developments without a specific end date' before proposing such requirements. This regulatory uncertainty undermines grid buildout objectives. With support from EU LIFE funds, European manufacturers have invested in SF₆-free gas-insulated switchgear with a GWP 99 % lower than that of SF₆, but are excluded from the market because of the lack of life cycle criteria. Since no other technology is up to scale at very high voltage yet, utilities are reverting to SF₆ technologies or delaying grid investments.

In June 2025, 14 Member States formally requested ecodesign requirements, citing new International Electrotechnical Commission guidelines. With 26-month procurement lead times and European leadership in grid technology at stake, clarity is urgently needed.

• 1.By when will the Commission propose ecodesign requirements for high-voltage switchgear under Article 13(13)?
• 2.How does indefinite regulatory delay reconcile with the urgent need for grid expansion and the Commission's commitment to life-cycle assessment?
• 3.What measures will prevent grid operators from procuring equipment with higher life cycle emissions, given the regulatory uncertainty?

Submitted: 9.4.2026

• [1] Regulation (EU) 2024/573 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 February 2024 on fluorinated greenhouse gases, amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 (OJ L, 2024/573, 20.2.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/573/oj).