STRATEGIES TO MITIGATE CARBON EMISSIONS FOR SUSTAINABLE SWITCHGEAR MANUFACTURING: A CRITICAL REVIEW FROM A LIFE-CYCLE ASSESSMENT PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

The increasing demand for power infrastructure has intensified the need for sustainable switchgear manufacturing, particularly in emerging markets like India. This paper presents a critical review of carbon emission mitigation strategies in the switchgear industry, with a focus on life-cycle assessment (LCA) as a guiding framework. It explores the transition from sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)-based systems to environmentally friendly alternatives such as clean air, vacuum, and solid insulation technologies. The review highlights global innovations by leading manufacturers including Siemens, Hitachi Energy, ABB, and Eaton, and contrasts these with the infrastructural, regulatory, and financial challenges faced by the Indian switchgear sector. Technological advancements—such as IoT-enabled monitoring systems, laminated bus plate designs, and hybrid switchgear—are examined for their role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study underscores the importance of LCA in quantifying environmental impacts across product life cycles and calls for stronger policy support and investment in sustainable innovation to accelerate carbon neutrality in switchgear manufacturing.