NEWSNEWS


GB F-Gas phase-down proposal sets ambitious 2048 target


T


he UK government has proposed a sweeping revision to its HFC phase-down schedule, aiming for a 98.6% reduction in


HFC consumption by 2048, which would surpass the current EU targets in the long term but take a more gradual path in the shorter term to support heat pump deployment. The proposal, outlined in a consultation launched by Defra on 5 November and closing 17 December, has sparked signifi cant engagement across the HVACR sector, with over 300 professionals attending a recent IOR webinar on the subject. Jacob Andresen, head of Defra’s domestic F-gas and ODS team, spoke about the UK’s obligations under the Kigali Amendment and its 2050 net zero target. “We consider that the circumstances of the GB market are slightly diff erent from the


EU market,” he said, noting the UK’s greater emphasis on heat pump rollout compared to the EU’s higher air conditioning demand. The proposed trajectory refl ects this, easing the phase-down curve through 2030 before tightening sharply toward mid-century. Ray Gluckman of Gluckman Consulting, who contributed to the 2022 Defra assessment report, highlighted the need for ambition. “If we can cut down [HFC] use quickly, that’s going to be benefi cial to the climate change problem,” he said, while cautioning that F-gas policy must not “have the reverse environmental impact of reducing F-gas emissions, but leading to a greater increase in fossil fuel emissions” by hindering heat pump uptake. The consultation notably excludes bans, training reforms, and SF6


regulation, areas addressed in the EU’s 2024 F-gas regulation. Gluckman highlighted this divergence, suggesting that while bans can off er ‘signposting’ for industry, Defra appears to favour a single- policy approach via quota reduction. Neil Roberts, chair of the IOR’s ACRIB group,


urged companies to engage directly with the consultation, especially on the underlying data assumptions. “Please don’t just think this data is irrelevant,” he said, pointing to gaps and generalisations in the cost and performance tables. “It’s imperative that the whole industry gets involved and responds… and makes it as data-driven as possible.”


The consultation is open until 17 December,


with responses accepted via the Defra portal, email, or post.


PACAIR and Mitsubishi Electric strengthen relationship M


itsubishi Electric and Palmer Air Conditioning (PACAIR) have agreed on a new contract which extends the


relationship between the two companies to over 20 years. Director and Founder, Nigel Palmer set up the company in 2003 and has since expanded PACAIR to include branch offi ces in Birmingham and Wigan to off er a nationwide service for customers. “Our relationship with PACAIR has grown


stronger over the past 20-years, and throughout that time, Nigel and his team have consistently delivered the highest levels of professionalism and support,” explained Andy Hart, Commercial Products Sales Director for Mitsubishi Electric. “Changes to refrigerants and new products mean that the world of HVAC is changing rapidly, so customers need a reliable and trusted partner. PACAIR off ers its customers dedicated technical


support and expertise across our commercial line-up, which is a fundamental reason why we are delighted to have them alongside our own brand.” PACAIR became Mitsubishi Electric’s only Applied Project Specialist (APS) in 2021, helping to create a real market diff erentiator and bringing added value for Mitsubishi Electric. APS status means that PACAIR is able to off er customers a full HVAC service right across the range of commercial Mitsubishi Electric products, bringing its own technical design expertise and support services for customers. “At PACAIR, we have always sought to deliver a true customer-focused approach, which has really helped us stand out in the market,” added PACAIR Director, Nigel Palmer. “This new agreement with Mitsubishi Electric reinforces the strength of that relationship and demonstrates our shared commitment to deliver sustainable HVAC solutions that help our clients navigate changes in both legislation and the market. “We will continue to work closely together to drive innovation and excellence, combining Mitsubishi Electric’s quality with PACAIR’s technical expertise and support as we work towards a more sustainable future for the built environment.”


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