Deal reached on reducing fluorinated gas emissions in the EU

Total phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons by 2050

Accelerate the move towards climate-friendly solutions

Fluorinated gases are used in appliances such as refrigerators, air-conditioning, heat pumps, fire protection

On Thursday, Parliament and Council reached a provisional deal to further cut fluorinated gases emissions, in line with EU and global climate goals.

At Parliament’s request, the deal foresees the goal of a zero hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) target by 2050, including a trajectory to reduce the EU consumption quota between 2024-2049 (Annex VII). Phasing out HFCs consumption in the EU is a clear market signal and would align the updated rules with the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goal.

Negotiators agreed on strict requirements that prohibit the placing on the EU market of products containing F-gases (Annex IV), to stimulate the uptake of more climate-friendly solutions and to provide certainty for manufacturers and investors.

The deal includes specific phase-out dates for the use of F-gases in sectors where it is technologically and economically feasible to switch to alternatives that do not use F-gases, such as domestic refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps.

The agreement also covers strict conditions and deadlines for the use of F-gases with high global warming potential for the servicing or maintenance of different types of equipment.

Quote

Rapporteur Bas Eickhout (Greens/EFA, NL) said: “We've reached an ambitious deal that would put an end to F-gases. This is crucial, not only because these gases are extremely harmful for the climate, but we are also providing clarity for companies and thereby investment certainty. We are breaking the endless cycle of new chemical cocktails that risk dragging technologies like heat pumps and switchgear – which are key for our energy transition – into the PFAS-debate. European companies are already at the forefront of developing clean alternatives to F-gases, so this law will be good for the climate and the European economy."

Next steps

Parliament and Council need to formally approve the agreement before it can come into force.

Background

Fluorinated greenhouse gases, which include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulphur hexafluoride and nitrogen trifluoride, are man-made greenhouse gases (GHG) with high global warming potential. They are used in common appliances such as refrigerators, air-conditioning, heat pumps, fire protection, foams and aerosols. They are covered by the Paris Agreement together with CO2, methane and nitrous oxide and account for around 2,5% of EU’s GHG emissions.

Additional reduction of F-gases emissions is needed to contribute to EU climate objectives and comply with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer. Parliament and Council also agreed earlier this year on measures to cut down the emissions of ozone-depleting substances.