F-gases: UBA study improves understanding of emissions of highly climate-damaging gases in Germany
A recent study commissioned by the German Environment Agency (UBA) shows that atmospheric measurements can be used to determine and localise emissions of particularly climate-damaging gases such as sulphur hexafluoride. Using this approach, a previously unidentified emission source of significant magnitude has already been detected in south-west Germany. The method also opens up new possibilities for monitoring other climate-relevant emissions in future.
Sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) is among the most potent greenhouse gases known. Over a 100-year period, a single kilogram has a global warming impact equivalent to around 24 tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO₂). Measurements carried out by Goethe University Frankfurt on behalf of the UBA show that emissions of this highly potent greenhouse gas are unevenly distributed across Germany. Using extensive measurement data and advanced modelling techniques, researchers found that the regional distribution of emissions differs from previous assumptions.
For the first time, the analysis is based on a consistent dataset for Germany compiled from all available SF₆ measurements. This includes continuous observations conducted by the UBA at the Zugspitze, data from the Taunus Observatory operated by Goethe University Frankfurt, and additional datasets from the European ICOS network for standardised greenhouse gas measurements. The data were analysed in collaboration with national and international partners.
UBA President Dirk Messner said: “F-gases such as sulphur hexafluoride have an exceptionally high global-warming potential. We therefore need modern monitorng systems that not only identify trends, but also identiy regional hotspots. Linking reported emissions data with actual measured concentrations creates an important basis for targeted mitigation measures.”
For an emission hotspot in south-west Germany, emissions were estimated at around 30 tonnes of SF₆ per year for the period 2021 to 2023. Notably, this spatial concentration does not correspond with previously reported emission sources, which suggested a more even distribution. While total emissions for Germany broadly align with figures reported to the United Nations, individual sources appear to have been overestimated over a longer period.
A further key outcome of the project is the launch of Germany’s first continuous measurements of nitrogen trifluoride (NF₃). NF₃ is likewise an extremely long-lived and climate-damaging gas, but had not previously been measured in Germany. Since February 2023, researchers at the Taunus Observatory have been continuously monitoring atmospheric NF₃ concentrations. The measurements indicate a moderate global increase in concentrations, but only limited local emission events, suggesting that regional sources in Germany are currently low.
The study highlights the importance of continuous atmospheric monitoring for understanding real-world emission patterns. Its findings provide a critical foundation for improving emissions reporting, identifying previously unknown sources, and developing targeted measures to reduce highly climate-damaging gases.
SF₆ and NF₃ are among the most powerful greenhouse gases known, with global warming potentials approximately 24,300 and 17,400 times greater than CO₂, respectively. While SF₆ is already regulated or restricted in certain applications – such as electrical switchgear and soundproof glazing – NF₃ remains largely unregulated internationally, despite its increasing use in the semiconductor industry.