The European Flourocarbons Technical Committee has called on the European Council and Parliament to conclude the first reading agreement for F-Gas Regulation to avoid confusion in the market.

Nick Campbell, Chairman of EFCTC, said: “We are aware of the on-going discussions on sector and sub-sector bans in refrigeration and air-conditioning, but these seem to be losing sight of the fact that the cap and phase-down of HFCs in the revised regulation will deliver the required environmental outcome whilst allowing industry to respond in a practical and cost-effective manner.”

EFCTC said it’s equally concerned that a delay in adoption of the revised F-Gas regulation will send a negative signal to the international negotiations on controlling HFCs, delay the processes of embracing lower GWP solutions and the development of new technologies as well as resulting in confusion in the market over the possible inclusion of imported equipment within the proposed HFC cap.

Dr Campbell said: “Many alternatives to higher GWP HFCs have to be chosen on a case-by-case basis, for example, some do not work in higher temperature regions”, stated, “bans on individual uses can eliminate competition between technologies and stop research on solutions that may be vital to reduce HFC and other greenhouse gas emissions in other parts of the world”.

“While we do not yet know what will be in the final agreement, it is not possible to estimate the impact on HFC emissions, but it is our understanding that a delay of two years due to the requirement for a second reading, would inevitably result in higher HFC emissions.”

“A delay would also result in lower investment in new equipment as operators will postpone decisions in response to the lack of legal certainty. A first reading agreement, even in absence of any further bans, therefore would be good for the environment and the economic recovery.”

The European Council will determine on Friday, 6th December whether to continue negotiations with the European Parliament or whether to re-start negotiations in a 2nd reading following elections in the European Parliament in May 2014.

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