The negotiations in Brussels have concluded with a last ditch deal, so new Regulations are now expected by next summer and application by as soon as 2015, subject to approvals. 79 per cent HFC phase-down target by 2030.

In addition to the cap and phase-down of 79 per cent, the deals also agreed includes a range of bans.

The first is the much-touted service and maintenance ban on high-GWP refrigerants, over 2500 GWP, which are planned to come in in 2020 (not 2017 as once proposed). The ban is expected to apply to all equipment with a charge over 40t CO2 equivalent.

Significant new equipment bans,where equipment ‘placed on the market’ will not be allowed to contain HFCs comprise:

1.New commercial refrigeration equipment in 2020, applying to all systems with a  capacity above 40 kW (except cascade systems where primary refrigerant only can use HFCs under 1500GWP)

2.Hermetically sealed air-conditioning systems in 2020;

3.Small splitair-conditioning in 2022 (doesnt apply where GWP lower than 750),

In addition, a traceability system will be introduced to better track equipment containing F-gases imported into the EU. This replaces the proposed ban on precharged systems which proved unpalatable to air conditioning manufacturers.

Heating, cooling, refrigeration and heat pump body Epee welcomed the new rules, although it noted that it still believes additional bans were not required to reach the climate goals. However,the association said it ‘accepts that these were needed to reach a common Political Agreement.’

Epee Director General Andrea Voigt said: “I am proud that our committed industry has shown progressiveness and has always supported ambitious environmental rules on F-gases through a cap-and phase down. The phase-down will steer innovation and help industry to move towards alternative solutions in a safe and efficient way.”

“We are also pleased that the rules have been concluded in First Reading, as our members will now have the regulatory certainty to ensure long-term business planning – all of which will ultimately benefit the EU economy.”

The Political Agreement will now need to be formally endorsed by both the European Parliament and the Council. After this the rules should become applicable from 2015, Epee said.

Climate commissioner ConnieHedegaard tweeted earlier “Very important deal reached today on F-gases. This will deliver substantial emissions reductions and ensure innovation.The deal will give renewed political momentum to come to a global agreement on phasing down F-gases under the Montreal Protocol.”

Lobbyist the EIA gave a guarded welcome: “Naturally, we would prefer more bans with fewer loopholes as these are the most effective method of preventing greenhouse gas emissions and there is overwhelming evidence that they would be feasible and cost-efficient. Nevertheless, this is the beginning of the end for HFCs in Europe – at least now the industries involved will be able to see which way the wind is blowing and invest in cleaner, greener alternatives.”” said Clare Perry, Head of EIA’s Global Environment Campaign.

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