Harmful greenhouse gases used in commercial and industrial
refrigeration, and in air conditioning and heat pump units will
be phased down more quickly and extensively under ambitious plans
outlined today (Wednesday 5 November) by the Government to reduce
emissions and accelerate to net zero.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are manufactured gases primarily used
as the refrigerant gas in commercial and industrial refrigeration
and in air-conditioning and heat pump systems.
HFCs have an average
lifespan of 15 years in the Earth's atmosphere. With the
gases having a global warning effect hundreds of times higher
than carbon dioxide, these reforms complement existing
legislation that is reducing their use and emissions.
A consultation launched today will propose achieving an almost
full phase-out of HFCs by 2048, a 98.6% cut with changes being
introduced from 2027. This goes much further than the
current target of cutting the amount coming onto the market by
79% by 2030.
Many air conditioning unit and heat pump manufacturers already
offer units that use alternative gases, and the phasedown
proposal will provide the industry time and support to transition
more completely to those alternatives.
Environment Minister said:
Hydrofluorocarbons are among the most powerful greenhouse gases,
and strengthening their phasedown is an important step towards
achieving our net zero goals.
These proposals will result in a near-total elimination of these
harmful gases coming onto the market while supporting the rollout
of clean heating technologies like heat pumps, ensuring we
continue to deliver on both our domestic and international
climate commitments.
The consultation – which
closes on 17 December – seeks views from industry and
stakeholders on the detailed design of the revised phasedown and
its implementation. The proposal has been developed based on
ongoing engagement with industry.
The proposed reforms will result in even greater carbon emissions
savings than from the current phasedown, supporting the UK
Government's Clean Energy and Net Zero Mission and ensuring the
nation continues to meet its international obligations under the
Montreal Protocol.
HFCs are used as the refrigerant gas in heat pumps. These
proposals will ensure there are still enough HFCs quota available
to support the rollout of heat pumps, with manufacturers and
importers getting sufficient allocation early on to allow time
for them to move to alternatives. This will ensure a smooth
transition to products that use cleaner gases with lower global
warming potential in the long run.
