SF₆ Recycle and Re-use Framework

National Grid intends to tender for the provision of a comprehensive SF₆ (sulphur hexafluoride) management service to support the recovery, reuse, storage, treatment, distribution and disposal of National Grid-owned SF₆. The contract will support National Grid's objectives of maximising reuse, reducing emissions, maintaining security of supply and ensuring full traceability of all SF₆ managed on its behalf.

The appointed Supplier will be required to provide an end-to-end service covering the complete lifecycle of SF₆ under National Grid ownership, including:

• Collection of recovered SF₆ from National Grid sites.
• Provision of suitable storage vessels and associated logistics.
• Transportation of SF₆ in compliance with all applicable legislation.
• Testing, analysis and classification of recovered gas.
• Processing, reclamation and recycling of SF₆ to Technical Grade SF₆.
• Management of a dedicated National Grid-owned SF₆ stockpile.
• Secure storage and inventory management.
• Distribution and delivery of certified Technical Grade SF₆ to National Grid locations.
• Disposal of non-recoverable SF₆ and contaminated gas, if instructed by National Grid.
• Maintenance of complete digital traceability and reporting.

The Supplier shall demonstrate the capability, capacity and competence to:

Collect, Process, Store and Distribute SF₆

• Collect SF₆ from National Grid sites across England and Wales.
• Test and classify recovered gas in accordance with BS EN IEC 60480 and associated standards.
• Process treatable SF₆ into Technical Grade SF₆ suitable for reuse.
• Maintain sufficient storage capacity and stockpile management arrangements to support National Grid operational requirements.
• Supply and distribute certified Technical Grade SF₆ to National Grid locations, including urgent delivery requirements where necessary.

Manage Disposal Activities

• Safely manage contaminated and non-recoverable SF₆.
• Provide disposal services through appropriately licensed and authorised facilities.
• Maintain full traceability through to final destruction.
• Provide auditable destruction certification and disposal records.
• Ensure disposal activities are only undertaken following written instruction from National Grid.

Digital Tracking and Traceability

The Supplier shall implement and maintain a secure digital tracking and inventory management system providing:

• Real-time inventory visibility.
• End-to-end traceability of all consignments.
• Tracking from recovery through storage, processing, delivery and disposal.
• Unique identification of consignments, vessels and processed batches.
• Full movement, transaction and audit history.
• Provision and recording of inventory data, certificates, analysis results and reports.

Environmental Objectives

The contract will prioritise:

• Promote SF₆ reuse and reclamation.
• Minimisation of SF₆ emissions.
• Prevention of intentional releases to atmosphere.
• Reduction of disposal volumes wherever technically feasible.
• Transparent reporting of recovery, reuse, disposal and emissions performance.

All SF₆ managed under the contract shall remain the property of National Grid at all times. The supplier will be expected to provide all labour, facilities, equipment, transportation, testing, reporting and management resources necessary to deliver the service.

At contract commencement, the successful Supplier will be expected to assume management of National Grid's existing Category A SF₆ stockpile of approximately 13.26 tonnes and integrate the inventory into its traceability, storage and stock management arrangements.