F-Gas Regulation and shift to lower GWP F-gases – a pause before the next phase-down step

The data available in the latest EEA report, in 2020 shows there was very little change in total supply of HFCs and HFOs/HCFOs compared with 2019. The considerable changes in HFCs and HFOs/HCFOs use patterns since 2014 demonstrate the progress delivered due to the F-gas regulation. It is not surprising that 2020 might be viewed as a pause before the next phase-down step (2021), in part due to the effects of Covid-19.

The average GWP (calculated from reported CO₂e tonnes and actual tonnes) for total supply of HFCs/HFOs/HCFOs in 2020 was similar to 2019 (1240 compared to 1227) but has still decreased by 40% from 2014 due to the adoption of lower GWP fluorocarbons. The supply of HFOs/HCFOs has remained at a similar level over the 3 years 2018, 2019 and 2020. Importantly, there is clear evidence of progress in the fight against HFC smuggling within the EU. During 2020 and 2021, Member States have made a number of successful seizures of illegally imported HFCs (see EFCTC press release).