Stepping up ambition: The EU F-Gas Regulation under review

The EU regulation which organises the phase-down of fluorinated gases in the European Union (Regulation (EU) 517/2014) is currently under review. This process is an opportunity to accelerate the phase-out of HFCs and pave the way for a more widespread use of natural refrigerants.

Consultancy firms have carried out an in-depth evaluation on behalf of the European Commission and have concluded that the original objectives of the Regulation are largely being achieved and the Regulation is considered quite effective.

However, to achieve the ambitious EU climate targets (55% in 2030 and CO₂ neutrality in 2050), the current regulation must be tightened up. It is likely that more equipment bans will be introduced and other measures will be continued or enhanced as well, in order to align ambition with the EU Green Deal and the Montreal Protocol and to improve implementation and enforcement.

As part of the stakeholder consultation process, many organisations and individuals contributed to the discussion. For example, the Refrigerants Naturally! Association has submitted a Position Paper highlighting opportunities to remove obstacles to the use of natural refrigerants. 

Next steps

By the end of 2021, the European Commission is expected to submit its revised F-gas Regulation proposal. This proposal will be accompanied by an impact assessment of the policy options. The European Parliament will then give its opinion on this. This means that there are still opportunities for interested parties to contribute to the discussions around these policy options.

Anyone can join this discussion. If you are interested to strengthen the position of natural refrigerants, the Refrigerants Naturally! Association provides a platform and welcomes input and support. More info at www.refrigerantsnaturally.com

Full details on the review process can be found at https://ec.europa.eu/clima/news/stakeholder-conference-review-rules-fluorinated-greenhouse-gases_en.