Low GWP F-gases now 50% of the total HFC/HFO/HCFO supply

The adoption of low GWP F-gases, particularly for refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pumps, due to the HFC phase down, has resulted in HFC-32 and HFOs/HCFOs now contributing about 50% to the total supply of HFCs/HFOs/HCFOs in the EU in 2021 and 2022. It is, perhaps, not surprising that their share is similar in both years as the current phase-down step for HFCs covers the period 2021-2023. The data available in the 2023 F-gas Report shows the average GWP for (calculated from reported CO₂e tonnes and metric tonnes) for total supply of HFCs/HFOs/HCFOs is also similar in 2021 and 2022 but has reduced considerably in recent years (see chart). The changes in HFCs and HFOs/HCFOs use patterns demonstrate the progress due to the efforts of industry to deliver the F-gas Regulation requirements, while continuing to ensure availability of refrigerants with a good balance of safety and technical properties.

According to the 2023 F-gas report the EU remains on track under the HFC phase-down of the EU F-gas Regulation. Despite a 1% increase compared to 2021, the EU-wide placing on the market of HFCs in 2022 was 3% below the maximum quantity allowed to be placed on the EU market, with refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps continue to be key applications for these gases. Under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, the EU is subjected to an international HFC phase-down. In 2022, EU consumption of HFCs was at 45% of the maximum imposed by the Montreal Protocol. Destruction of HFCs, reached about 2,500 tonnes in 2022, similar to 2021 and both considerably higher than 2020, which was about 1,500 tonnes (all three years are for EU-27).

Articles about the 2023 F-gas report are available in Cooling Post and Refrigeration Industry.