Challenges of the new F-Gas Regulation

3 Questions to Herrmann Renz, member of the Technical Committee of eurammon

 

The revised F-Gas Regulation with its direct and indirect prohibitions is a major challenge for the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector. The tasks that have to be mastered and the chances these then offer in turn are explained by eurammon expert Hermann Renz, member of the Technical Committee of eurammon and Technical Programs Manager at Bitzer Kühlmaschinenbau GmbH.

 

  1. The revision of the F-Gases Regulation prescribes which refrigerants will be allowed or prohibited in future. What does this mean in concrete terms for manufacturers and operators, and where do you see the challenges?


Hermann Renz: The roadmap features a phase-down through to 2030. At first glance this seems to be a long time, but the branch is already being forced to set the points in a sustainable direction in the long term. It is also foreseeable that new challenges will emerge in the future. The EU has meanwhile announced a further reduction in CO2 emissions by 2050, which will result in an additional need to act.

 

2. Does it make sense to convert existing equipment or is it better to invest in a new system that will meet future requirements?


Hermann Renz: Even if existing systems could continue operations through to 2030 when operated with recycled refrigerants, it often makes commercial sense for well maintained systems that are operating efficiently to be converted to refrigerants with a low GWP. However, it has to be ensured that there are no disadvantages in terms of energy efficiency due to the change-over. As far as older equipment is concerned, new investment is recommended here as this is often far more profitable to operate thanks to more developed technologies.
 

3. How does the revised F-Gas Regulation impact on the future use of natural refrigerants?


Hermann Renz: In principle the phase-down will make F-gases extremely scarce, which will be tantamount to an indirect ban in many areas, thus boosting refrigerants with low GWP. But the sheer diversity of refrigeration and air-conditioning systems means that it is not possible to define any one universal solution, even for sub-sectors. One thing is relatively certain, and that is that there will be a clear increase in the number of applications with natural refrigerants and alternative “low GWP” system solutions. However, successful implementation will need sound foundations. This includes among others corresponding initial and further training of the professionals involved – which in turn needs experienced trainers, which takes time, as is well known.