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EU F-gas Regulation implementation: EC Consultation Forum outputs.

Standards and training were among the topics discussed during this meeting.
As an intergovernmental organization, the IIR participated in the 2nd meeting of the Consultation Forum, the role of which is to provide advice and expertise to the European Commission in relation to the implementation of the EU F-gas Regulation.

Consult document meetings here.

Standards and training were among the topics discussed during this meeting:

  • A new EC report on problems caused by standards to using alternative refrigerants to HFCs and based on responses from 24 member states was presented. It concludes that “standards (at international, European and national level) regarding the use of flammable refrigerants – mainly hydrocarbons but also HFOs – appear to be an important barrier to the uptake of climate-friendly alternatives to HFCs”. In particular, the report sees a need to maximize charge sizes without compromising safety as well as allowing a more general use of risk management approaches for all refrigerants. “To facilitate the achievement of the EU HFC phase-down and emission reductions in the EU and third countries as required by the Paris Agreement in the most cost-efficient way, these barriers should be addressed with urgency,” the report says.
    More informations here.

  • Another EC report on availability of training for service personnel regarding the safe handling of climate was presented. It concludes that the “currently known uptake of training in alternative refrigerants is too low to match the medium and long term requirements of the F-gas phase-down.” EC adds that “today a total of 160,000 trained and certified fluorinated gas technicians are working on stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump systems, working for a total of 40,000 certified companies. While a fairly high proportion (71%) of member states reports the availability of ammonia training in their country, availability is much lower for the other alternatives: 52% for CO2, 48% for hydrocarbons/small systems, 35% for hydrocarbons/large systems and 20% for HFOs. Consequently, the proportion of F-gas certified personnel trained in alternative refrigerants is very low, respectively 2.3%, 2.2%, 0.7%, 0.05% and 0%.
    More informations here.