PartagerHFCs: diverging opinions regarding phase-out/phase-down
A report prepared by Michael Kauffeld for the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) outlines a timetable specifying dates by which the use of HFCs could be banned in new equipment for each refrigeration and air-conditioning sub-sector, with a complete phase-out possible in 20 sub-sectors by 2020.
The May 2012 report “Availability of low GWP alternatives to HFCs – Feasibility of an early phase-out of HFCs by 2020” prepared by Michael Kauffeld for the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) outlines a timetable specifying dates by which the use of HFCs could be banned in new equipment for each refrigeration and air-conditioning sub-sector, with a complete phase-out possible in 20 sub-sectors by 2020.
This report states that “the use of placing on the market prohibitions (POMs) of HFCs in new equipment is the most effective way of reducing the emission of HFCs”. The introduction of such bans alongside measures to ensure the maximum technically feasible transition to alternatives up to the prohibition dates would prevent emissions of 75.4 Mt CO2-equivalent per year by 2030. This represents a cumulative reduction in HFC emissions of 600 Mt CO2-eq. and a cumulative reduction in demand of 1.6 Gt CO2-eq. HFCs by 2030”.
Reacting to the report, Andrea Voigt, Director General of EPEE, stressed that according to an ERIE/ARMINES report commissioned by EPEE, F-gas emissions could be reduced by at least 15% and up to 60% by 2030 without bans, by fully implementing the F-Gas Regulation, further strengthening it and accelerating the introduction of lower GWP refrigerants via a balanced cap and phase-down scheme.
This report states that “the use of placing on the market prohibitions (POMs) of HFCs in new equipment is the most effective way of reducing the emission of HFCs”. The introduction of such bans alongside measures to ensure the maximum technically feasible transition to alternatives up to the prohibition dates would prevent emissions of 75.4 Mt CO2-equivalent per year by 2030. This represents a cumulative reduction in HFC emissions of 600 Mt CO2-eq. and a cumulative reduction in demand of 1.6 Gt CO2-eq. HFCs by 2030”.
Reacting to the report, Andrea Voigt, Director General of EPEE, stressed that according to an ERIE/ARMINES report commissioned by EPEE, F-gas emissions could be reduced by at least 15% and up to 60% by 2030 without bans, by fully implementing the F-Gas Regulation, further strengthening it and accelerating the introduction of lower GWP refrigerants via a balanced cap and phase-down scheme.