HFC phase-down

Europe commits to ambitious HFC phase-down



The EU Parliament has voted to acknowledge revisions to the F-gas regulation that will consequence in a steeper phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) on the EU current market from 2039 onwards, with a full HFC production and use period-out by 2050. This aligns with the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality intention.

“To promote the uptake of climate-welcoming solutions and to give certainty for individuals and traders, MEPs (customers of the European Parliament) want to bolster the necessities that govern the putting on the EU single market place of merchandise containing F-gases,” suggests the European Parliament.

“The report consists of specific phase-out dates for the use of F-gases in sectors the place it is technologically and economically feasible to switch to choices, these kinds of as refrigeration, air conditioning, heat pumps and electrical switchgear.”

MEPs also supported much better policing by permitting customs authorities to seize and confiscate F-gases imported or exported in violation of the regulations.

“F-gases are not well recognized, but have main implications for our weather, as they are very potent greenhouse gases,” suggests Rapporteur Bas Eickhout. “In most situations, natural possibilities are easily offered. That’s why we voted for an formidable placement to fully period out F-gases by 2050 and in most sectors now by the end of this 10 years. We are offering clarity to the sector and a sign to devote in alternate options. Many European corporations are currently at the forefront of this growth and will advantage from it, mainly because of their marketplace situation and export alternatives.”

To browse to the entire proposal submitted to the EU Parliament, click here.



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World grapples with refrigerant transition


A particular intercontinental publication has collected views from around the globe on the changeover to very low-GWP refrigerants beneath the Kigali Amendment. With the enable of neighborhood professionals, it reveals how the HFC phase-down is monitoring, the key challenges so much, and the likely solutions.

The Kigali Amendment aims to phase down HFC output worldwide by at least 80 for every cent in excess of the coming many years underneath the Montreal Protocol. The purpose is to cut down direct emissions of these gases due to the fact of their significant contribution to world warming – some HFCs are quite a few thousand instances far more powerful than CO2 as a greenhouse fuel. And quite a few of them are made use of in refrigeration and air conditioning machines.

If completely implemented, it is believed that the Kigali Amendment could avoid up to .5°C of world wide warming by the conclude of this century. So significantly, 141 nations have signed on to the agreement, such as, most not too long ago, the US. Some, like Australia, have currently been phasing down HFCs for a variety of yrs.

To provide an update on this worldwide energy, the Centro Studi Galileo (CSG) and the Renewable Energy Institute (REI), with assistance from the IIR, UNEP OzonAction and Space, have gathered experiences from all over the globe in a exclusive publication: Advancing Kigali Plans As a result of HVACR.

As very well as sharing views from distinctive nations around the world, it analyses broader problems around HVAC&R, these as instruction in new refrigerants, and attracting much more females to the business.

The journal was distributed at Chillventa, and is formally staying launched at MOP34 – the Thirty-Fourth Meeting of the Functions to the Montreal Protocol in Montreal.

The posts and the full publication can be accessed as a result of a focused web page.

Image by Joshua Rawson-Harris on Unsplash



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Tensions rise over EU HFC phase-down plans


As the European Union considers formidable new targets for phasing down HFC refrigerants, sector is divided about the route forward. Some teams have cautioned regulators from relocating way too speedy, but other individuals imagine the stricter phase-down is both of those achievable and attractive.

What’s on the table?

In April this 12 months, the European Fee proposed two new laws to more tightly handle fluorinated greenhouse gases and ozone depleting substances (ODS). It claimed that these modifications represented “a sizeable step to limiting international temperature increase in line with the Paris Agreement”. The F-fuel proposal, as it was known, also supported an EU determination to lower emissions by at the very least 55 for each cent by 2030 and make Europe climate-neutral by 2050.

Some steps, these as cracking down on unlawful investing and improved licensing and instruction, received wide marketplace assist. Some others, nonetheless, elevated eyebrows.

Among the most contentious ended up proposals to introduce stricter limits for the world wide warming prospective (GWP) of refrigerant in stationary split air conditioning and heat pump machines. As of 2027, systems with a rated capability up to and including 12kW containing refrigerant of 150 GWP or more would be banned. The existing artificial refrigerant of preference for split programs is R32, with a GWP of 675. Devices increased than 12kW containing refrigerant with a GWP of 750 or more would also be banned.

“Unrealistic” timeframe

The European Partnership for Strength and the Ecosystem (EPEE) has warned that the strategy, significantly from supporting the EU’s local weather aims, could undermine them. It notes that a huge roll-out of warmth pumps (such as break up-technique air conditioners) will be demanded to decarbonise buildings around the coming yrs, and that the new procedures would be an obstacle to this work.

“The proposed HFC section-down is in actuality an HFC stage-out by 2027 that would severely jeopardise an accelerated and in depth warmth pump roll out in the EU in the coming a long time.

“According to the proposal, all new machines from 2027 would have to have to instantly use around zero GWP refrigerant, this sort of as hydrocarbons or HFOs, which is an unrealistic timeline both of those in terms of technological improvement and in phrases of the required selection of installers skilled and qualified to take care of the new refrigerants, numerous of which are flammable,” reads the EPEE’s position paper on the proposed revisions to the F-Gas regulation.

The EPEE also suggests that the European Commission’s model will make a quantity of “untransparent and unrealistic” assumptions about the velocity of the refrigerant transition.

“The scope of the proposed bans would be incoherent with the proposed phase down and produce uncertainty as very well as enforcement issues for current market authorities. The distinct bans pertaining to heat pumps would be harmful to the REPowerEU targets and ought to be taken off.

“The F-Gasoline Regulation revision need to strike the stability among minimizing F-gas emissions and acquiring the EU’s local climate and energy objectives.”

Assist for stricter limits

This week, Ambiance unveiled a report titled Accelerating the EU’s Shift To Normal Refrigerant Domestic Heat Pumps, primarily based on a six-month investigation into the domestic warmth pump sector in the EU.

According to Ambiance, the intention of the study was to emphasize the possible effect of the existing HFC period-down –and of an even stricter period-down.

It is vital to notice, nevertheless, that the study excluded air-to-air and hybrid units and reversible versions.

“Following the release of the proposal, trade bodies symbolizing the interest of some of the industry’s incumbents have cautioned towards intrusive coverage motion in this realm, revamping previous fears associated to local climate aims, electrical power effectiveness and security,” reads the report.

“Our sample team interviews with heat pump producers in Europe stage to a expanding existence of primary machines companies (OEMs) throughout Europe with systems functioning with normal refrigerants in their portfolio. These corporations are diverse in size and their commitments to phasing down fluorinated gases. Corporations that have previously noticeably detached them selves from fluorinated performing fluids noted assurance in their means to promptly scale up creation and reconvert aged know-how manufacturing lines pushed by the correct policy framework. Not only are decarbonisation plan attempts noticed as paving the way for the deployment of heat pumps, but also laws affecting fluorinated greenhouse gases are held in superior regard for analyzing the route of vacation.”

Ambiance recently shared conclusions from the report throughout a livestreamed webinar. To entry the webinar, simply click here.

Image courtesy of UNEP OzonAction.



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Days of R404A are numbered


Higher-GWP refrigerants could quickly be in short supply and growing in price tag as stockpiles dwindle, global pressures strike our shores, and the HFC stage-down quotas commence to chunk. And in accordance to professionals at AIRAH’s Refrigeration 2022 convention this week, that signifies it’s time for contractors to urgently swap away from R404A.

When the HFC stage-down began in January 2018, concerns ended up voiced about the risk of prices spiking – as they had carried out in Europe less than the F-Gas regulation. Individuals fears, on the other hand, proved mainly unfounded in Australia the earlier 4 years have been comparatively clean in conditions of refrigerant price ranges.

Whilst that has meant stability, business observers say that it has also produced complacency. At the “cold face”, expertise about the phase-down and the have to have to changeover to reduce-GWP refrigerants remains lower. In individual, R404A remains a common preference for small- and medium-temperature refrigeration purposes, these types of as commercial refrigeration, grocery store show instances, cold rooms, transportation refrigeration and course of action cooling.

But as the speakers at Refrigeration 2022 warned, that will before long have to improve.

Source shock coming

Sythree Director John McCormack opened proceedings with a presentation on the modifying landscape of refrigerants and the forces driving the change. He noted that the recent cost of refrigerants is decrease than really should be predicted because of to inventory stockpiled before the HFC stage-down commenced. This inventory has successfully “masked” the very first two reductions in Australia’s refrigerant import quota.

But that stockpile is shrinking. Dependent on the information in Chilly Hard Facts 2021, McCormack estimates that in 2023, Australia could be struggling with a shortfall of as a lot as 500 tonnes of refrigerant.

“Importers have a fixed quota,” he states, “and as the quota methods down they have significantly less CO2e to promote. So they will elevate the value for better GWP items to replicate the quota they take in.”

Accordingly, McCormack expects speedy boosts for large-GWP items these kinds of as R404A and R410A. He also predicts shortages.

“When the stock is absent in the to start with fifty percent of following 12 months, importers and wholesalers will have to glimpse at what they provide. There is not more than enough quota to import ample HFCs to meet up with the demand, irrespective of the price tag. They will have to pick which shoppers they aid with their limited supply.”

Some of this stress will be eased by transferring to conveniently obtainable HFO blends that can be utilized in existing tools, these types of as replacing R404A with R449A, and changing R134a with R513A.

“This would no cost up enough quota to deal with the step downs for 2022, 2024 and 2026,” suggests McCormack, “which would give the marketplace the time to upskill for these new technologies. Of training course, this will not materialize. All the supermarkets and coldrooms simply cannot move straightaway, and neither can all the cars and trucks and other R134a products.

“We will see a supply shock. That’s when the market place will consider that this section-down is serious.”

In the meantime, other components will also put upward force on selling prices. Thanks to raw material charge boosts and international freight, virgin HFC prices have greater by about 17 for each cent. The value of distribution close to Australia has also greater sharply with rising gas rates. These costs will be handed on in the close to long term.

Shock or shift?

On day two of the meeting, Graeme Dewerson from the Pro Group presented Chilly Tricky Specifics 2021. The latest in the collection of reviews well prepared for the Office of Agriculture, Drinking water and the Atmosphere analyses info from 2020 to recognize essential developments and tendencies in the refrigeration and air conditioning marketplace.

Cold Tricky Points 2021 involves info on full refrigerant utilization in Australia compared to bulk imports. In 2017, the yr prior to the HFC phase-down began, there was a spike in imports. But in 2019 and 2020, utilization outstripped imports. Dewerson pointed out that this trend is very likely to continue until current market pre-quota stockpiles are depleted. But at that position, he explained that refrigerant recycling is possible to phase up to fill any gap between imports and usage.

In truth, some have recommended that the move away from R404A may possibly not be so a lot a shock as a change. It is imagined that recycling could create 100–200 tonnes of recycled HFCs in the event of a shortfall. Others have flagged that recycling the HFC blends is not as simple as recycling refrigerants this kind of as R22.

As observed higher than, lower GWP alternatives exist for R404A. Solutions these kinds of as R448A and R449A are immediate replacements, offering close to a 65 per cent CO2e reduction on R404A. This means that the massive volume of R404A imported in 2020 represents a “carbon sponge” that can be transformed to other merchandise. But again, this will rely on market transitioning promptly.

Government thinking of options

Pat McInerney from the Division of Agriculture, Drinking water and the Natural environment also introduced at Refrigeration 2022, with an update on the HFC stage-down.

As well as providing some background on the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Modification that has established targets for the stage-down of HFCs globally, McInerney highlighted places where Australia may well want to consider much more action than basically restricting bulk imports.

One particular these kinds of area worries R404A. According to Cold Tricky Info 2021, 822 tonnes of R404A were being imported in 2020, in comparison to 838 tonnes in 2019 – a really slight decrease. McInerney indicated that the government has recognised the challenge, and is now wanting at means to deal with it. A single solution is a ban on selected machines styles employing R404A, although these types of bans might be difficult to carry out. In short, this piece of operate is ongoing.

Time to move

Though future govt coverage is still not apparent, the message for contractors is: the days of R404A are numbered. Professionals highlighted the will need to have conversations with buyers about this refrigerant and how soaring charges will affect their company. They also observed that the imperative is now even increased to avoid installing new devices on R404A and make investments the more dollars to move to a a lot more potential-evidence solution.

Also, there is a have to have to make awareness among practitioners about replacement merchandise, retrofit procedures, and how to optimise programs on those people products and solutions.



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A.G. Coombs issues advice on commercial HVAC refrigerants


A.G. Coombs has developed an update on its information about refrigerant use for industrial HVAC units.

“As the planet grapples with rising temperatures brought on by the emission of greenhouse gases, refrigerants are underneath renewed scrutiny,” A.G. Coombs states. “Common refrigerants are categorized as greenhouse gases, which can be hundreds or even a thousand moments even worse from a global warming possible (GWP) compared to the equal volume of normal refrigerants this sort of as carbon dioxide (CO2).”

The Advisory Take note is specific, furnishing details on the HFC stage-down and Montreal Protocol, the point out of the existing refrigerant sector, HFC possibilities, refrigerant traits, and an evaluation of what the phase-down signifies for industrial HVAC methods.

Considering that the period-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), the most prevalent form of refrigerant obtainable in the market place these days are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

“The big issue with HFCs occur from their world wide warming prospective,” the be aware advises. “GWP is a bodily assets of greenhouse gases, which indicates the propensity of the gas to entice atmospheric warmth.”

The observe goes on to clarify the HFC section-down is a gradual reduction in the maximum quantity of HFCs permitted to be imported into Australia.

“The composition of the Australian governing administration HFC phase-down is geared in the direction of restricting the importation of HFC gases, with a see of encouraging marketplace forces to identify the most effective resolution,” the observe says. “As these kinds of, it is helpful to notice the industry to see what adjustments, developments and innovations are taking location.”

So, what does this imply for business HVAC units?

“With the stage-down of HFC refrigerants, there will be diminished source, and this is probable to consequence in raising price tag of the fuel over time,” states A.G. Coombs. “This has been observed with an growing price tag of R134a more than the previous five decades.”

The note advises maintaining an exact asset timetable of all incorporating HFC refrigerants, speaking with mechanical upkeep companies to recognize any HFC plant working inefficiently, making ready a refrigerant administration strategy, examining chiller plant alternative techniques, and thought of units that can offer both of those cooling and heating at the exact same time to leverage charge efficiencies.

“It must be observed that the Kigali agreement is a phase-down and not a stage-out, meaning there are no HFC production bans as there had been with hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) these types of as R22,” the observe suggests. “However, it is nonetheless critical to take into consideration the choice of the refrigerants in any new and alternative plant.”

To study the A.G. Coombs Advisory Observe, simply click here.



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A.G. Coombs issues advice on commercial HVAC refrigerants


A.G. Coombs has developed an update on its suggestions about refrigerant use for commercial HVAC devices.

“As the environment grapples with climbing temperatures prompted by the emission of greenhouse gases, refrigerants are less than renewed scrutiny,” A.G. Coombs claims. “Common refrigerants are labeled as greenhouse gases, which can be hundreds or even a thousand occasions worse from a worldwide warming likely (GWP) vs . the equal quantity of organic refrigerants such as carbon dioxide (CO2).”

The Advisory Be aware is in depth, providing information on the HFC section-down and Montreal Protocol, the condition of the present-day refrigerant marketplace, HFC options, refrigerant traits, and an evaluation of what the section-down usually means for industrial HVAC programs.

Considering the fact that the phase-out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), the most common type of refrigerant accessible in the market today are hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

“The important trouble with HFCs crop up from their worldwide warming opportunity,” the be aware advises. “GWP is a physical residence of greenhouse gases, which signifies the propensity of the fuel to entice atmospheric warmth.”

The note goes on to reveal the HFC section-down is a gradual reduction in the optimum volume of HFCs permitted to be imported into Australia.

“The framework of the Australian authorities HFC stage-down is geared towards restricting the importation of HFC gases, with a watch of encouraging marketplace forces to ascertain the best remedy,” the be aware says. “As this sort of, it is helpful to notice the sector to see what variations, developments and innovations are using place.”

So, what does this suggest for commercial HVAC techniques?

“With the section-down of HFC refrigerants, there will be lessened provide, and this is most likely to consequence in growing price tag of the gas around time,” states A.G. Coombs. “This has been observed with an raising cost of R134a more than the previous 5 a long time.”

The be aware advises maintaining an exact asset schedule of all incorporating HFC refrigerants, talking with mechanical servicing providers to detect any HFC plant functioning inefficiently, getting ready a refrigerant administration approach, reviewing chiller plant substitute approaches, and thing to consider of systems that can provide both of those cooling and heating at the exact time to leverage price efficiencies.

“It must be famous that the Kigali settlement is a period-down and not a period-out, which means there are no HFC production bans as there had been with hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) these as R22,” the observe states. “However, it is however significant to take into consideration the range of the refrigerants in any new and alternative plant.”

To study the A.G. Coombs Advisory Be aware, simply click listed here.



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Refrigerant report underlines need for further efforts


The most current Chilly Difficult Details report, just unveiled, confirms that Australia has now extremely very likely handed “peak bank” in conditions of both whole volume of refrigerant and its GWP benefit. But it also highlights segments of the refrigerant current market that could call for far more consideration, and the need to have for ongoing exertion to limit emissions.

Considering the fact that 2007, the Chilly Hard Details series of stories have been the HVAC&R industry’s go-to publication for measuring the magnitude and impression of the sector. The large takeaway from the most latest report is that Australia has possibly passed “peak bank”. In other words, our overall amount of refrigerant is now beginning to shrink, and with it, the related emissions. This will be found by lots of as constructive information, and proof that Australia’s HFC section-down is doing the job. It is also a end result of worldwide attempts to curtail emissions, and the subsequent transition to new refrigerants and a lot more successful equipment styles.

Seeking at unique segments of the sector, a different spotlight is the ongoing quick transition away from R410A to R32 in air conditioners. For the first time, R32 overtook R410A in pre-billed tools imports, and the R410A share of the bank stopped escalating. Even though this is most noteworthy in the split procedure segment, the report notes that R32 is also being employed in much larger applications, which include break up ducted methods and chillers with prices up to 100kg. The reduced GWP of R32, and scaled-down cost measurements, have helped lower Australia’s in general financial institution.

Hydrocarbons are signalled as yet another development refrigerant, specifically in purposes with demand dimensions beneath 150g these as refrigerated screen cupboards and portable air conditioners. In the circumstance of the latter, as of July 1, 2021, 83 for every cent of portable air conditioners registered with GEMS contained hydrocarbons.

But the transition to purely natural or alternate reduced-GWP artificial refrigerants is not taking place as swiftly in other sectors. The report notes that in spite of a concerted transfer by key grocery store chains to deploy trans-essential CO2 units, need for R404A continues to be powerful, with extra than 850 tonnes used for service and new products – steady with the earlier five several years.

Presented its large GWP of 3,922, there is worry that R404A is nonetheless so heavily employed. Some have prompt far more targeted government measures are required to lessen this “stubborn” refrigerant.

Another challenge for Australia has been the reliance on R134A in cell air conditioning, when other components of the entire world have already transitioned to the decrease-GWP HFO refrigerant R1234yf. The report notes that R1234yf is last but not least starting to surface, however nevertheless in comparatively small quantities. Of the 917,000 new automobiles imported into Australia in 2020, fewer than 15 for each cent had been estimated to include R1234yf. Once more, this phase is a prospective candidate for more immediate federal government motion.

All round, the report notes that the financial institution has develop into far more various as a extensive assortment of different refrigerants emerge.

There is also a notice of warning, that whilst Australia has likely passed peak bank, there is still a good deal of operate to do. The report points to a new CSIRO review indicating that HFC emissions have been expanding at 5 per cent per annum since 2005.

“With an present refrigerant bank in put in tools that has a full international warming likely of somewhere around 100 million tonnes (Mt) CO2e,” reads the report, “efforts at improved containment and helpful restoration of refrigerants will be essential to continue to push down the full environmental impact of RAC solutions in Australia.”

To go through Chilly Tough Facts 2021, click on in this article.



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Does R134a alternative hold promise for Australia?


US refrigerant producer Koura has introduced R456A, an alternate to R134a for automotive aftermarket programs.

R456A has a world warming potential of 626 – about fifty percent that of R134a. According to Koura, trials have demonstrated R456A to be compatible with present R134a automotive air conditioning devices when preserving “high-good quality, effective performance”.

The development will come as Europe will take the next action in its HFC phase-down. Offered the increased pressure on quotas – now down to 45 for every cent of baseline – the new refrigerant could be an interesting different to R134a.

Accordingly, Koura is doing work to get EU (CE) and Uk certification for the new refrigerant, and is partaking with distributors to convey R456A to market place in just the British isles and EU.

Refrigerants Australia Govt Director Greg Picker suggests that R456A will mainly be of fascination to the provider sector.

“This clearly isn’t made for new vehicles,” Picker states, “because it would not meet up with the specifications for new cars in Europe, which say gases have to have a GWP of a lot less than 150. This is about managing the fleet of current motor vehicles when they appear in for company, where by they are putting in precious quota tonnes just to retain automobile air conditioners doing the job. This is a way to extend those tonnes.”

In Europe, R134a has been banned for new cars and trucks specified its GWP of 1,430 producers have mainly switched to systems employing R1234yf.

“The edge of R1234yf as a replacement for R134a in new automobiles is that other than staying mildly flammable, it is pretty identical to R134a in conditions of its attributes,” says Picker. “The temperature selection it works by using for its steadiness, its oil, the form of method … it did not require key adjustments in techniques, so it’s been genuinely prosperous.

“The trouble is you simply cannot adhere R1234yf in air conditioning programs in motor vehicles that weren’t intended for them for the reason that of security troubles.”

At initially look, the new refrigerant would look to have some interest for Australia, wherever new autos are still remaining marketed with R134a, and where this refrigerant is just one of the largest areas of the country’s full refrigerant bank. According to the most latest Cold Hard Information report, it built up 31.6 per cent of the full financial institution in 2019.

Picker says that correct now, tension on import quotas in Australia is not as acute as in Europe, largely simply because of the fast transition in the break up market from R410A to the reduce-GWP R32, but in the foreseeable future, these kinds of an option may possibly arrive into participate in.

“Europe improved about in 2018 – that is four a long time back now – to not acquiring vehicles with R134a methods,” says Picker. “Most of our automobiles even now have R134a units.

“So the longer-term use of this gas is far additional likely right here than in Europe. Slower uptake in this article, but a considerably far more spectacular probably use and tail. In Europe, 10 a long time from now they will not be using this gasoline specified how we’re nonetheless importing cars with R134a we could be, and by then it will make any difference.”

Picker suggests that the larger game is tightening Australia’s guidelines for mobile air conditioning units.

“Car air conditioners have a large amount of gasoline in them in phrases of proportion of in which the financial institution is,” suggests Picker. “It’s a leaky application, and there are decreased-GWP solutions that are obtainable that are not getting employed.

“That’s the kicker – we’re staying slow. We always say we’re early adopters, but not here.”



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