Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Benyon on 16 March 2023 (HL6230), what progress has been made in the review of the F-gas regulations, both (1) generally, and (2) with regard to the greenhouse gas sulphur hexafluoride (SF6); what steps they are taking in reducing its carbon footprint in electricity transmission, distribution, and hydronic heat pump equipment; and how they intend to ensure that expansion of the electricity grid does not increase carbon emissions through increased use of fluorinated greenhouse gases.

Defra is in the process of reviewing the F-gas Regulation, including consideration for reducing the use of SF₆ in the power sector.

Alternative technologies to the use of SF₆ in the power sector are being developed, with some already available and being deployed. As the review of the F-gas Regulation progresses, we will review the need for any future action within the F-gas regulatory regime to support the transition.