REFRIGERANTS
aligned with the EU and businesses are now required to register with the UK’s new systems operated via the Environmental Agency and apply for quotas for each refrigerant. F-Gas and ODS are largely used as refrigerants, but they are also in other products that include fire extinguishers, medical inhalers, various insulation foams, solvents as well as feedstocks for the manufacture of other chemicals Most of the rules for F-Gas and ODS have
not changed but companies do need to use the UK’s system to manage quotas and report use, by registering with the Environmental Agency. Quotas need to be registered for each refrigerant depicting their calculated equivalent in tonnes of carbon (tCO2
e). In addition, companies are required to
maintain their own records of customers and volumes sold, but this has yet to be clarified as to who or when this should be reported. Prior to 31 December 2020 this was
managed for example by Aermec SpA in Italy as there was an EU quota. Now the onus is on UK companies to register and keep a track on their compliance. The rationale for the quotas is not just to minimise the environmental impact but to actively encourage innovation; the development of equipment that is more efficient and drive the industry towards lower GWP refrigerants. But achieving and maintaining the high-performance levels users are clamouring for whilst reducing the impact on the environment is not without its challenges.
The HVAC industry is continually investing
in extensive R&D and innovating to embrace the changes. It is actively moving towards alternative solutions that can replace high GWP refrigerants. The choice of lower GWP refrigerants is growing and offerings include many naturals such as carbon dioxide and ammonia but also HFOs such as R1234ze and
R32 which is a low GWP HFC. Although some refrigerants are non- flammable others that have very low flammability properties fall into the A2L classification. A2L refrigerants are mildly flammable and
includes R1243yf and R1234ze. The latter has a GWP of 7, is non-toxic (although some special conditions apply). It is only flammable above 30°C. R32 has considerable traction in the market. It is a mildly flammable material, a replacement for R410A in new equipment and has a GWP rating much lower than R410A with a GWP of 675 as opposed to 2088. R32 is also far more energy efficient. It is suitable for air conditioning and heat pump applications, but R32 is viewed as an interim solution. Developing lower GWP solutions is
encouraging equipment manufacturers to collaboratively develop systems and components that can address specific refrigerant’s technical challenges and performance levels.
The quotas are purely a mechanism to drive
change. The UK system essentially mirrors the EU system. Such an approach has helped to keep the process uncomplicated, particularly when dealing with equipment that is pre- charged. Looking ahead, refrigerants are set to be a part of the landscape for some time yet. The move towards lower GWP refrigerants will steadily increase and the next decade will see even more innovation and sustainable technologies brought to the market as the UK strives to stay in alignment and meet the 2030 goal of driving down refrigerant quotas to 21%. At the end of 2020 it was reported that refrigerant prices were falling and prices of GWP refrigerants are expected to keep decreasing. The EU and latterly Öko- Recherche, the Frankfurt based independent environmental research institution and consultancy, who has a track record in ODS and
F-Gases, have both reported falls in the price of GWP materials and prices are currently still falling. There is also evidence of stockpiling particularly of R410A, in advance of the 2021 phase down as well as illegal imports, with regular reports of illegal shipments being seized.
Although we are seeing a reduction in the price of refrigerants that includes R407c, R410a and R134a, the availability of such products along with further phasedowns will see a decrease in their availability and most likely a hike in prices. Manufacturers will naturally gravitate towards lower GWP refrigerants. Failure to do so could put in doubt their survivability let alone competitiveness. Until long-term solutions are readily available, customers will need to be flexible, adapt to new technologies and accept compromises along the way. This decade will see a substantial swing- shift as the move towards lower GWP refrigerants increases pace. With the new US administration calling for a halt to fossil fuel activities and sending a powerful signal to the world that climate change will be at the centre of all its policies, there can be no stronger global message that climate friendly solutions need to be factored into all businesses’ plans.
The HFC/F-Gas Phasedown Summary The phasedown is not refrigerant specif- ic and forces a move away from high GWP refrigerants and gases
The phase down started in 2015 and runs through to 2030
HFC’s will gradually be replaced and reduced to around 21% of the baseline by 2030. A quota system is in place which equates to the CO2 equivalent
The UK has committed to remain aligned to the EU-F-Gas regulations and European safety standards post Brexit.
Hum Sols
www.acr-news.com March 2021 23
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