Briefing: Revised F-Gas Regulation poised to become a vehicle for change
Media briefing: The EU has long been a global frontrunner in the phase-out of fluorinated refrigerants (F-gases), which are responsible for 2.5% of EU greenhouse gas emissions and the bloc’s primary source of forever chemicals (PFAS). In this week’s final trilogue on the revised F-Gas Regulation, we urge negotiators not to waste this opportunity and ensure that F-gases are phased out in as many sectors and applications as possible.
What is at stake?
- The EU’s revision of its Regulation on Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases (F-Gas Regulation) offers a big opportunity to protect the climate by phasing out harmful F-gases in different sectors and applications. We want to see an ambitious agreement because the next opportunity may not arrive for years. Policymakers must make the most of this momentum in the last trilogue on 5 October.
- F-gases (fluorinated gases) may not be commonly known, but they are commonly used – and a significant climate issue, responsible for 2.5% of EU greenhouse gas emissions. F-gases are used in the electricity grid for insulation, as well as in everyday products like fridges, air conditioning, heat pumps, and even cars.
- On top of the destructive climate effects, devices using F-gases as refrigerants also emit PFAS (forever chemicals). F-gases are the primary source of PFAS emissions in Europe – posing a threat to our health as well as our environment.
- Moving away from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a type of fluorinated refrigerant, is an easy win in the fight against climate change. Some industry voices have argued against such a ban – but innovation and uptake of natural refrigerants are already happening.
- Natural refrigerants are EU-made, non-patented products as opposed to F-gases, which are imported and dependent on raw materials coming mainly from China. They can be used successfully, safely, and with little cost for most applications.
What is the best-case scenario?
1. An ambitious phase-out plan for F-gases across diverse applications.
Complete phase-outs are feasible in most if not all sectors. Phase-outs must include F-gas use in domestic applications, more specifically in heat pumps and air-conditioning.
2. Deadlines that reflect the industry’s actual potential.
Phase-out dates should not be pushed further into the future. Delays must be avoided because alternatives are readily available.
3. A phase-out on SF6 and its fluorinated substitutes for medium and high voltage.
SF6 has the highest global warming potential. Alternatives exist, but some of them are fluorinated. Fluorinated alternatives, used mainly in switchgear, have low global warming potential but contribute to PFAS-related pollution. They have short lifetimes, but their sub-components do not.
4. A regulation with vision.
The revised F-Gas Regulation should signal clearly to the industry that the direction of travel is to innovate to reduce unnecessary dependency on F-gases, create green jobs, and move away from established but counterintuitive, old-fashioned choices that do not serve the EU’s climate goals and clean tech ambitions. Sceptical EU Member States must take into consideration the need for adaptation and support European efforts to lead the way with clean climate-friendly technologies.
This is already happening. Even traditionally hard-to-shift sectors are rapidly moving. For example, German train operator Deutsche Bahn has committed to adopting natural refrigerants in its new trains. Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) are increasingly recognised as false solutions. Car manufacturers, for instance, are moving away from HFOs in electric vehicles.
What is the worst-case scenario?
1. A slowdown of the F-gas phase-out.
Keeping F-gases on the market gives the wrong message and would delay the uptake of readily available climate-friendly natural refrigerants.
2. A fearful approach.
Industry voices and F-gas lobbying groups have argued against some F-gas bans. However, their claims are unfounded and are regularly debunked by their industry competitors.
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Anastasia Tsougka, Programme Officer at ECOS – Environmental Coalition on Standards, said:
“The phase-out of climate-damaging F-gases should be a no-brainer for the EU. With clean solutions already on the market, success is well within reach. But the industry needs a strong signal to invest in future-proof technologies and shake off the negative narrative on natural refrigerants coming from some incumbents. Many European companies are already moving in the right direction – regulators must not lag behind.”
Resources
[1] European Commission proposal: EU Regulation on Fluorinated Greenhouse Gases: https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/fluorinated-greenhouse-gases/eu-legislation-control-f-gases_en
[2] European Parliament’s position: https://ecostandard.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-FGR-Plenary-position-paper_230316.pdf
[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/
Contact
In addition to the information in this briefing, we can offer interviews on request. Please get in touch.
Alison Grace, Press & Communications Manager at ECOS
alison.grace@ecostandard.org
+32 493 19 22 59
Anastasia Tsougka, Programme Officer at ECOS
anastasia.tsougka@ecostandard.org
ECOS – Environmental Coalition on Standards is an international NGO with a network of members and experts advocating for environmentally friendly technical standards, policies, and laws.
