The European Union is at the forefront of the transition to a sustainable and pollution-free future, with the ambitious goal of becoming the first carbon-neutral continent by 2050. To this end, the European Commission has introduced a new regulation on fluorinated gases, key elements in exacerbating the greenhouse effect and climate change. This proposal, which came into force on 11 March 2024, marks a decisive step towards a greener future for the European Union and the planet.
While the new regulations bring many environmental benefits, they also impose inevitable changes and challenges for the refrigeration sector and its customers. FRICON is prepared to guide you through these changes, offering commercial refrigeration solutions that comply with the new regulations.
What are the changes for the commercial refrigeration sector?
The new F-Gas Regulation establishes the total elimination of these gases in the EU by 2050, with restrictions being implemented in stages. The first stage, from 2025, directly affects the commercial refrigeration equipment sector.
From 2025, the permitted Global Warming Potential (GWP) for the maintenance and repair of refrigeration equipment will be limited to 2,500; in 2032, this limit will be reduced to 750 for stationary refrigeration equipment. Existing equipment using recycled or regenerated fluorinated refrigerants will be able to be maintained and repaired with a GWP of 2,500 or more until 2030. This means that a large proportion of commercial refrigeration equipment will need to be replaced with environmentally friendly refrigerant options.
From 11 March 2025, the export of foams, stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment containing or operating with fluorinated gases with a GWP of 1000 or more will be prohibited.
Summary of Prohibitions and Limits:
Customers in the commercial refrigeration sector will have to replace old, non-ecological equipment or systems that operate with these gases, as it may not be possible to repair them in the future. Due to the gradual reduction of fluorinated gases in Europe, there are currently only three viable refrigerant options in the long term: ammonia (R717), CO2 (R744) and hydrocarbons such as propane (R290) and iso-butane (R600a).
A FRICON recomenda a transição para sistemas de refrigeração comercial que utilizem gás propano natural (R290) ou iso-butano (R600a). As well as being ecologically sustainable, with GWPs of 0.02 and 0 respectively, these options are highly energy efficient. There are highly efficient solutions in industry that also help to meet energy labelling targets and reduce energy bills. These are the ideal options for your business and for the future of the planet.
Key benefits of sustainable refrigerant gases
- Environmental sustainability: R290 (propane) and R600a (iso-butane) refrigerants have an extremely low GWP, virtually eliminating their contribution to the greenhouse effect.
- Energy Efficiency: These refrigerants are highly efficient, allowing for more economical operation and a reduction in energy costs.
- Compliance with regulations: Using these refrigerants ensures that your equipment complies with European regulations, avoiding future problems with maintenance and replacements.
FRICON Preparation and Support
FRICON is fully prepared to help its customers make this transition smoothly and efficiently. We offer a complete range of refrigeration solutions using sustainable refrigerants, as well as providing technical support and guidance at every stage of the process.
What to Expect:
- Personalised Consultancy: We assess your specific needs and suggest the best ecological solutions for your business.
- Complete Technical Support: Follow-up during the installation and maintenance of new equipment, ensuring maximum efficiency and regulatory compliance.
- Training and up-to-date information: We keep our customers informed of the latest changes in regulations and emerging technologies in the refrigeration sector.
The transition to sustainable refrigerants is not just a regulatory obligation, but an opportunity to modernise and improve the efficiency of your business while contributing to a more sustainable future. With FRICON, you’ll always be ahead of the game, ready to face the challenges and enjoy the benefits of this new era of commercial refrigeration!
