Application of new IEC TS 62271-320 for the Evaluation of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Methodologies in High-Voltage Switchgear

Regulation and Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. Current LCA practices often lack comparability due to inconsistent functional units, system boundaries, and data sources.

The study builds on ISO 14040/44 principles and incorporates IEC 63366 (Product Category

Rules, PCR) and IEC TS 62271-320 (Product-Specific Rules, PSR) to define a standardized approach. A reference scenario for a 145 kV GIS bay using CO₂/O₂/C₄FN insulation was modeled with EcoInvent data, complemented by sensitivity analyses on material sourcing, grid mix, leakage rates, service life, and end-of-life assumptions.

Results indicate that electricity grid mix exerts the largest influence on Global Warming

Potential (GWP): switching from EU-28 to Chinese grid increases total emissions by 83%, while renewable energy reduces them by 44% compared to EU-28. With the high impact of material content on overall GWP of SF6 free products material sourcing matters – EU-based aluminum supply lowers manufacturing-stage GWP by 26% compared to the reference mix.

Database choice and recycling assumptions introduce moderate variability, while transport mode and leakage rate have minor effects. For SF₆-free GIS, raw material content and operational energy dominate the footprint, whereas SF₆-based systems are strongly impacted by gas leakage even at low rates. The paper recommends strict adherence to standardized PCR and PSR, transparent documentation of assumptions, and robust data quality ratings. In conclusion, two implementation approaches are proposed: (i) full LCAs, including impact assessment, conducted by manufacturer and verified as Environmental Product Declarations (EPD) under

ISO 14025, or (ii) split of LCA process with impact assessment conducted by user based on inventory provided by manufacturer, using harmonized parameters. These measures enable technology-neutral evaluations, support procurement decisions, and ensure compliance with emerging sustainability regulations.