Following recent indications that the UK might be moving towards an HFC phase out, F-gas industry proponents have launched a campaign to prevent such an advent. Eurammon, the European initiative for natural refrigerants, has subsequently expressed doubts on some of the campaign claims concerning HFC energy efficiency and refrigerant containment.
Recent policy developments at the EU and UK level point to a potential tightening of restrictions on the use of HFCs. Such policy developments include the EU draft position paper for the international climate change negotiations in Copenhagen this December, whereby “an international emissions reduction arrangement” for HFCs is called for. A strong EU position on restricting HFC emissions at the international level is likely to further affect the 2011 review of the EU F-Gas regulation so that it includes a phase-out schedule in addition to existing containment measures. At the UK level, Lord Hunt, Minister for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has stated that a “restriction on non-essential use” would be considered as part of the government’s F-Gas legislation review.
Industry HFC proponents launch pro-HFC campaign
Following these developments, industry HFC proponents launched a campaign to oppose the possibility of an HFC phase-out. The campaign, called “F-Gas Works” seeks to raise the profile of HFCs in terms of energy efficiency and advocates that an F-gas containment strategy is the best means to address HFC emissions.
Eurammon casts doubt over campaign’s claims
Eurammon, the European initiative for natural refrigerants, is seriously questioning the campaign’s claims that HFCs were the most energy efficient refrigerant or easy to contain.
“Clients looking for a sustainable, energy-efficient refrigerating system should choose natural refrigerants. Ammonia is acknowledged as the most efficient refrigerant of all. If there is no clear target for HFC phase-out, industry will not invest in new technologies,” Eurammon’s President Monika Witt said.
“Practice has also shown that leakage rates from refrigeration systems with odourless refrigerants are clearly higher than the estimated 1 to 3 per cent. The industry has always told politicians the containment model works very well. But if so, there should be plenty of recycled R22 available, so why is there a shortage?”
Industry HFC proponents launch pro-HFC campaign
Following these developments, industry HFC proponents launched a campaign to oppose the possibility of an HFC phase-out. The campaign, called “F-Gas Works” seeks to raise the profile of HFCs in terms of energy efficiency and advocates that an F-gas containment strategy is the best means to address HFC emissions.
Eurammon casts doubt over campaign’s claims
Eurammon, the European initiative for natural refrigerants, is seriously questioning the campaign’s claims that HFCs were the most energy efficient refrigerant or easy to contain.
“Clients looking for a sustainable, energy-efficient refrigerating system should choose natural refrigerants. Ammonia is acknowledged as the most efficient refrigerant of all. If there is no clear target for HFC phase-out, industry will not invest in new technologies,” Eurammon’s President Monika Witt said.
“Practice has also shown that leakage rates from refrigeration systems with odourless refrigerants are clearly higher than the estimated 1 to 3 per cent. The industry has always told politicians the containment model works very well. But if so, there should be plenty of recycled R22 available, so why is there a shortage?”
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Apr 29, 2009, 17:43
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