EU F-Gas Regulation: The beginning of the end for climate-damaging fluorinated gases
F-gases, not commonly known but commonly used in household appliances like fridges, air conditioners, and heat pumps, will be phased down in the EU – with some types of F-gases banned completely. F-gases are responsible for 2.5% of the EU’s greenhouse gas emissions – but not for much longer. Today, the European Commission, Parliament, and Council reached a bold agreement on the revised F-Gas Regulation, strengthening the EU’s role as a climate leader.
The EU has signalled to the fluorinated gas (F-gas) industry that its days are numbered. In an ambitious agreement reached today [1], the EU has reinforced its position as a global leader in the phase-out of F-gases, some of the most potent greenhouse gases, several hundred thousand times stronger than CO2.
Highlights of today’s agreement on the revised EU F-Gas Regulation:
- Phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), an easily replaceable type of fluorinated refrigerant, by 2050. A phase-down of HFC production is foreseen by 2036, ahead of a complete ban by 2050.
- Phase-out of placing products and equipment containing HFCs on the market. This is set to be enforced for various categories of products, including domestic refrigerators, chillers, foams, and aerosols.
- Phase-out of some types of heat pumps and air conditioning containing F-gases. Phase-out will begin on some products as early as 2027, ahead of a complete phase-out of monoblock and split air heat pumps and air conditioning containing F-gases by 2035.
- Phase-out of medium voltage switchgear relying on F-gases. These will be gradually phased out by 2030, with a subsequent ban on high-voltage switchgear by 2032. This will foster the growth of sustainable electric grids by restricting the use of SF6 and its fluorinated substitutes, which degrade at the end of their lives to PFAS (forever chemicals), damaging our health as well as our environment.
These sweeping phase-outs are a testament to the maturity and rapid growth of natural refrigerant markets, which have innovated to create clean and safe alternatives to F-gases.
Although we would have liked to see more ambitious phase-out on the sale (not only the servicing) of mobile and stationary refrigeration sectors, this agreement is nonetheless an important step towards limiting pollution and protecting public health in the EU.
Anastasia Tsougka, Programme Officer at ECOS – Environmental Coalition on Standards, said:
Today’s agreement is a victory for the climate and public health. The EU has acted with respect to planetary boundaries, signalling to the F-gas industry that it can no longer pollute with impunity. The complete phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) by 2050 is a massive achievement. Climate-friendly solutions have won against voices trying to halt progress and innovation, with the EU paving the way for the uptake of natural refrigerants internationally.
ENDS
Notes to editors
[1] Council of the European Union press release (5 October 2023): https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/10/05/fluorinated-gases-and-ozone-depleting-substances-council-and-parliament-reach-agreement/
[2] European Commission proposal for a revised EU Regulation on Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (5 April 2022): https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/fluorinated-greenhouse-gases/eu-legislation-control-f-gases_en
[3] ECOS position paper on F-Gas Regulation trilogue (July 2023): https://ecostandard.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ECOS_Position-on-FGas-trialogue-.pdf
[4] ECOS media briefing, Why new fluorinated refrigerants are still not the solution (July 2023): https://ecostandard.org/news_events/why-new-fluorinated-refrigerants-are-still-not-the-solution/
[5] ECOS media briefing (4 October 2023): https://ecostandard.org/news_events/briefing-revised-f-gas-regulation-poised-to-become-a-vehicle-for-change/
Contact
If you have questions please contact me:
Alison Grace
Press & Communications Manager at ECOS
alison.grace@ecostandard.org
+32 493 19 22 59
