EU Freezes F-Gases, Paving the Way for a Cleaner Future

EU Strengthens Regulations to Curb Greenhouse Gas Emissions

European Commission Adopts New Regulation Eliminating 500 Million Tonnes of CO2-equivalent Emissions

• F-gases: total phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons by 2050 and move towards climate-friendly solutions
• Higher EU ambition to further reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances
• EU rules aligned with the European Green Deal and international agreements

Photo by Guillaume Périgois on Unsplash

Today, the European Commission has taken a significant step towards achieving its climate goals with the adoption of reinforced rules targeting fluorinated gases (F-gases) and ozone-depleting substances (ODS). These substances currently contribute over 3% of the European Union’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

The move marks a crucial milestone in the EU Green Deal, contributing to the bloc’s 2030 climate objectives and the ultimate aim of climate neutrality by 2050.

Under the new regulations, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), the most prevalent F-gases, are set to be eliminated by 2050. Quota levels for HFCs will be substantially reduced, limiting imports and production yearly. By 2030, HFCs placed on the market in the EU will be phased down by an impressive 95% below 2015 levels, ultimately leading to a complete phase-out by mid-century.

The rules also extend to restricting the use of all F-gases in equipment where climate-friendly alternatives are available, encompassing applications in heat pumps, energy transmission switchgear, and healthcare products. New obligations will additionally target F-gas and ODS emissions from insulation foams in older buildings and those undergoing renovation.

A noteworthy aspect of the regulations is the focus on driving green investments. The measures aim to stimulate the export of climate-friendly equipment while preventing the export of obsolete equipment utilizing refrigerants with a high global warming potential. This not only sends a clear signal to manufacturers but also encourages them to redirect investments towards environmentally friendly alternatives, fostering innovation and the development of clean technologies.

Anticipated benefits include a reduction in prices as the market for climate-friendly equipment expands, coupled with increased energy savings from improved energy efficiency throughout the products’ lifespan. The rules are not just about regulation; they are designed to shape industry practices and steer investments towards sustainable solutions.

Enforcement and monitoring are integral components of the new measures. Customs and surveillance authorities will be empowered to control imports and exports, with a particular emphasis on cracking down on the illegal trade of gases and related equipment.

The EU sees these rules as setting an example for the global community, urging other nations to take similar actions to address F-gases and ODS. By adopting these strengthened regulations, the European Commission demonstrates its commitment to mitigating climate change and leading the way towards a more sustainable future.

Photo by Mike van Schoonderwalt

This statement from the European Commission highlights the adoption of strengthened rules on the use of fluorinated gases (F-gases) and ozone-depleting substances (ODS) in the European Union. The key points include:

1. Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction: F-gases and ODS currently contribute to over 3% of the EU’s total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The new rules aim to eliminate an additional 500 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions by 2050, contributing to the EU’s climate goals and climate neutrality target by 2050.
2. Phasing Out HFCs: The most common F-gases, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), will be eliminated by 2050. Quota levels for HFCs will be significantly reduced, limiting imports and production year-on-year. By 2030, HFCs placed on the market in the EU will be phased down by 95% below 2015 levels.
3. Restrictions on F-gases Use: The rules will restrict the use of F-gases in equipment where climate-friendly alternatives are available, such as heat pumps, energy transmission switchgear, and products in the health sector.
4. Impact on Insulation Foams: New obligations will reduce F-gas and ODS emissions from insulation foams in old buildings and those under renovation.
5. Export Restrictions: Obsolete equipment using refrigerants with a high global warming potential may not be exported from the EU. This is aimed at stimulating exports of climate-friendly equipment and preventing harmful products from entering the global market.
6. Stimulating Green Investments: The rules encourage manufacturers to invest in climate-friendly alternatives, stimulating innovation and the development of clean technologies. This is expected to lead to lower prices as the market for climate-friendly equipment expands, and increased energy savings from higher energy efficiency.
7. Enforcement and Monitoring: New measures are introduced to better enforce the rules and monitor the market. This includes facilitating customs and surveillance authorities to control imports and exports and crack down on the illegal trade of gases and related equipment.
8. Global Leadership: The EU sees these rules as setting a positive example for other countries, encouraging similar actions to address F-gases and ODS globally.

Overall, these measures align with the EU Green Deal and demonstrate a commitment to addressing climate change by reducing the use of substances that contribute to global warming.