Lower GWP F-gases now 55% of the total HFC/HFO/HCFO supply in the EU
The data available in the Fluorinated greenhouse gases 2024 [1] report shows that the adoption of lower GWP F-gases, particularly for refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pumps, due to the HFC phase down, has resulted in HFC-32, HFOs and HCFOs now contributing about 55% to the total metric tonnes supply of HFCs/HFOs/HCFOs [2] in the EU in 2023. The total supply of HFCs has reduced to 69% of all reportable F-gases as CO2e, compared to 85% in 2015. RACHP (Refrigeration, air-conditioning and heating and other heat transfer fluids) has reduced to 58% of all reportable F-gases as CO2e, compared to 73% in 2015. The 2024 F-gas report states that the EU remains on track under the HFC phase-down of the EU F-gas Regulation. With a 2 % decrease in 2023 compared to 2022, the EU-wide placing on the market of HFCs in 2023 was 5% below the maximum quantity allowed to be placed on the EU market by the F-gas Regulation.
Chart 1 shows the trends for HFC-32, HFOs and HCFOs share of HFCs/HFOs/HCFOs total metric tonnes supply, and the average GWP trend for the total supply of these F-gases (calculated from reported CO2e tonnes and metric tonnes). The decrease on placing on the market (PoM) maximum quantity of HFCs as CO2e for 2024 – 2026 is expected to have a significant effect on these trends. The PoM maximum has been constant for 2021 -2023. The changes in HFCs and HFOs/HCFOs [2] use patterns demonstrate the progress due to the efforts of industry to deliver the F-gas regulation [3] requirements, while continuing to ensure availability of refrigerants with a good balance of safety and technical properties.
Explanatory note: For this analysis, HFC-152a has been excluded from the share of lower GWP HFCs, HFOs and HCFOs as it is not widely used in RACHP. The total supply of HFC-152a in the EU has decreased from 3914 tonnes in 2015 to 1221 tonnes in 2023.
References:
[1] ETC CM report 2024/05: Fluorinated greenhouse gases 2024 — Eionet Portal