Fluorinated Gas Regulation: Key Industry Changes
Fluorinated gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems have a global warming potential up to 25,000 times higher than CO₂. Some of these gases can persist in the atmosphere for thousands of years. Because of their high environmental impact, they are classified as greenhouse gases (GHGs). To mitigate this, the European Union introduced the first fluorinated gas regulation in 2006. It aimed to prevent leaks and prohibited the use of these gases in certain applications.
Evolution of the Fluorinated Gas Regulation
In 2015, Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 replaced the 2006 version, expanding the scope significantly. Since its enforcement, fluorinated gas emissions have steadily decreased. Between 2019 and 2020 alone, emissions dropped by 12.2%. Still, these gases account for 2.5% of the EU’s total GHG emissions. To further reduce their impact, the European Commission proposed a revision in April 2022, marking a significant regulatory shift.
European Commission Proposal: Goals and Measures
The new proposal seeks to drastically reduce hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) supply in the EU market—reaching just 2.4% of 2015 levels by 2048. The plan introduces bans in various applications, updated best practices, stricter leak controls, and mandatory record-keeping and training. These measures aim to limit both direct emissions and related environmental effects.
Expected Benefits
This revision aligns with the Montreal Protocol and supports the EU’s goal to cut GHG emissions by 55% by 2030 and reach climate neutrality by 2050. The forecasted impact includes a 40 million tonne CO₂ equivalent reduction by 2030, and 310 million by 2050. The proposal also addresses illegal activity through quota system improvements.
European Parliament’s Response to the F-Gas Revision
On March 1, 2023, the European Parliament backed the proposal with several key amendments. These include accelerated phase-outs in industries where fluorinated gases can be replaced and stricter marketing bans—even for heat pumps. New deadlines aim for a full phase-out by 2050.
The Parliament also proposed mandatory administrative fines and continuous monitoring of technological alternatives. These steps aim to ensure compliance and promote sustainable innovation.
October 2023: Provisional Agreement on the Regulation
A provisional deal outlines a gradual reduction in HFC production and consumption. Production rights will be cut based on averages from 2011–2013. Simultaneously, HFC quotas for the market will decrease, following a strict timeline:
Production Reductions
- 2025–2028: 60% reduction
- 2029–2033: 30% reduction
- 2034–2035: 20% reduction
- 2036 onward: 15% reduction
Marketing Quotas (Tonnes of CO₂ Equivalent)
| Years | Maximum Quota |
|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | 42,874,410 |
| 2027–2029 | 21,665,691 |
| 2030–2032 | 9,132,097 |
| 2033–2035 | 8,445,713 |
| 2036–2038 | 6,782,265 |
| 2039–2041 | 6,136,732 |
| 2042–2044 | 5,491,199 |
| 2045–2047 | 4,845,666 |
| 2048–2049 | 4,200,133 |
| 2050 onward | 0 |
Exemptions apply to certain sectors like semiconductors where viable alternatives are still under development. A review of the regulation is set for 2040 to consider new technologies and market readiness.
New Product and Equipment Restrictions
The new agreement introduces a complete ban on selling several categories of HFC-containing equipment, including domestic refrigerators, foams, and aerosols. Heat pumps and small air conditioners under 12 kW using high-GWP gases will be banned starting 2027 and fully phased out by 2032. For split systems, the ban starts in 2035, with earlier deadlines for more polluting models.
Medium and high-voltage switchgear also face a ban by 2032, though conditional use of alternatives like SF₆ will be allowed under a cascade principle with safeguards for network reliability.
How Intersam Is Leading the Transition
With upcoming bans on HFC-containing products, companies must act now. Anticipating these changes is critical to ensure compliance and business continuity. At Intersam, we are already working ahead of the curve. We use low-GWP refrigerants such as A2L and CO₂ in our refrigeration and HVAC solutions.
If your company needs to adapt to the revised fluorinated gas regulation, contact us today. We manage industrial-scale projects across and beyond Spain, offering expert guidance in sustainable refrigeration systems.
