EU tightens the limits on climate-damaging coolants

Synthetic refrigerants, or so-called F-gases, contribute significantly to increasing the greenhouse effect. The chemicals have been used for years in millions of air conditioning systems for buildings, commercial and industrial refrigeration systems and car air conditioning systems. In order to gradually reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, the European Union significantly tightened the regulations with the new EU Regulation No. 517/2014, which came into force in January 2015.

Increasing the greenhouse effect

The F-gases are partially hydrofluorocarbons which, when released, deplete the ozone layer in the stratosphere. This happens, for example, with leaks or improper disposal of old equipment. The results are harmful to flora and fauna and hard UV radiation, leading to global warming. For this reason, the use of these substances in many fields is already completely prohibited.

Impact of the EU regulation and the search for alternative coolants

The aim of the regulation is to protect the environment through reduced emissions of F-gases, as well as to encourage a switch to alternative refrigerants. The scale used is the global warming potential (GWP), which indicates the factor by which a molecule of the respective gas is more harmful to the climate than a molecule of carbon dioxide. By 2030, only 21% of the total volume found in 2015 should be in circulation. As early as 2018, 30% less F-gases will be available. Even tetraflourethane, which is currently used as an alternative to even more harmful chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) as a coolant in, refrigerators, for example, may only be put on the market to a limited extent. From this year onwards, new cars may no longer be equipped with it.

Alternative coolants, such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFO), ammonia (R717) or carbon dioxide (R744) can be considered, however the former has a much lower cooling potential and flammability, and the latter is dangerous. Alternative coolants may also be up to 20% more expensive than F-gases.

A good alternative is not yet in sight. In order to successfully meet the challenge of the EU regulation, there is still a considerable need for innovation in alternative refrigerants.

 

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