Current Regulation
The current F-gas Regulation is successfully driving change to lower GWP solutions
EFCTC supports the implementation and objectives of the EU F-Gas Regulation. The current Regulation provide a predictable signal to the industries using F-gases and to those introducing/developing alternatives to F-gases. The EU HFC phase down has proven to be a powerful driver for the industry to transition towards lower GWP solutions. The phase down process has allowed industry to manage the reduction in the consumption of HFCs through the development of energy efficient, safe and affordable alternatives. Illegal trade in HFCs has undermined the regulation’s implementation to a significant extent
The F-Gas Regulation 517/2014 is a well-designed and successful regulation, resulting in development and implementation of lower GWP refrigerants and equipment. HFC-32, HFOs and HCFO and lower GWP blends of HFCs/HFOs are becoming the refrigerants of choice in new energy efficient equipment for many HVAC applications particularly where high flammability or high toxicity is unacceptable.
The widespread adoption of HFC-32 as a lower GWP replacement for R-410A in more energy efficient air-conditioning and heat pump equipment is possible due to the appropriate phase-down schedule. HFC-32, alone or in mixtures with other HFCs/HFOs is expected to continue to provide and optimum balance of performance and safety properties for many years beyond 2030. Other HFCs or HFC/HFO blends provide excellent performance for Organic Rankine Cycle waste heat recovery, an increasingly important application to reduce energy use.
The continued use of HFCs in important applications including new heat pumps with 80% of new heat pumps in 2019 containing HFC-410A, contributing to increased renewable energy use.
What the F-Gas Regulation 517/2014 has achieved?
Increased use of low GWP HFCs, HFOs & HCFOs in more energy efficient equipment
Average GWP of HFCs/HFOs placed on the market continues to fall and reduced emissions of HFCs
Good availability of HFCs for some important applications such as heat pumps
Availability and supply of high quality HFCs, HFC blends and HFOs from legitimate well-established suppliers
Maintain high levels of availability of HFC/HFO/HCFO refrigerants with appropriate safety benefits
Increased focus on recycle and reclaim of HFCs, with reclaimed HFCs being used in new equipment.
A high level of compliance by HFC quota holders.
For the F-gas Regulation, implementing regulations and guidance documents see https://ec.europa.eu/clima/policies/f-gas_en
According to its impact assessment, the current F-gas Regulation 517/2014 intends to reduce the EU’s F-gas emissions by two-thirds by 2030 compared with 2014 levels. The Commission must explore a 50 – 55% reduction target for total GHG emissions under the climate law proposal. If the two-thirds reduction is achieved for HFCs and if total GHG emissions are reduced by 40 – 55% by 2030 then HFC emissions would then contribute about 1.1 – 1.5% to the total.