Trade associations respond to F-gas proposal

EFCTC and trade associations for contractors and equipment suppliers have provided initial responses to the Commission F-gas proposal. While there are several positive new proposed measures, particularly to prevent illegal trade, deep concerns have been expressed about proposed measures for prohibitions on equipment critical to Europe’s decarbonisation and an unsustainable phase-down. These proposed measures, in the face of insufficient alternatives and trained installers, will massively “decelerate” the deployment of heat pumps and other heating and cooling solutions required to achieve EU’s 2030 climate and energy, as well as geopolitical goals expressed in the European Commission’s recent #REPowerEU Communication.

The AREA, EHPA, and EPEE joint statement “Proposed new F-gas Regulation: EU risks undermining its own climate and energy security goals. By taking a narrow view on F-gas refrigerants, the European Commission endangers its #Fit-for-55 and #REPowerEU ambitions” commented that all heat pumps – including air-air types – need to be massively deployed and this needs to be clearly supported by all EU institutions. The proposal puts both the announced frontloading of heat pumps in the next 5 years as well as the 2030 and 2050 deployment target at risk. The joint statement is available here.

 

AREA is the European association of refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump contractors, representing 13,000 companies. http://area-eur.be/

EHPA is the European Heat Pump Association. EHPA is a forward-looking association aiming at putting heat pumps at the centre of the energy system by communicating the benefits of heat pumps, providing relevant information and being a reference point and integrator to all stakeholders. https://www.ehpa.org/

EPEE represents the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry in Europe. EPEE’s membership is composed of over 50 companies as well as national and international associations from three continents (Europe, North America, Asia). https://epeeglobal.org/

 

The EFCTC press release “EFCTC welcomes the European Commission proposal to reinforce the controls on F-gases” noted in particular, that EFCTC welcomes the proposed new provisions to improve enforcement and prevent illegal trade in F-gases in the European Union and that the alignment with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol is very much welcome. Read the complete press release here.

 

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