Know what you want? Try our 'Supplier Directory' 

Study finds CO2 eq emissions will beat reduction targets

A new study by EPEE suggests that the European refrigeration and air conditioning industry will exceed the emission reductions targets set by the EC.
A report carried out on behalf of EPEE by the French research bodies ARMINES / ERIE reveals that CO2 eq emissions from refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment have decreased by over 13 per cent since 1990 and are set to decrease even further in the coming 20 years.

The evidence suggests that regulations on ozone depleting substances and fluorinated gases (F-gases) have made an impact on the figures even though the refrigerant bank doubled over the past 10 years. CO2 eq emissions have already decreased substantially by more than 13 per cent, for the coming 20 years, the study predicts a further emissions reduction between 15 per cent and 60 per cent whilst assuming continuous market growth.

The study commissioned by industry association the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE), looks at two future scenarios: The first, the 'F-gas Scenario' is based on the full implementation of the F-gas regulation combined with current market trends, this together with the second 'F-gas Plus Scenario' takes into account a more aggressive introduction of lower GWP refrigerants. The results clearly show that the containment principle of the F-gas regulation has already started to deliver.

The 'F-gas Plus Scenario' illustrates the industry's potential to go even further, besides the introduction of lower GWP refrigerants, several other key factors contribute to achieving emissions reductions, like the improvement of emissions rates, lower refrigerant charges and higher recovery volumes at the end of life of the equipment containing refrigerant fluids.

Andrea Voigt, EPEE's director general explains: 'The ARMINES/ERIE study's results show that by fully implementing the EU F-Gas Regulation, emissions reduction in 2030 will even exceed the Commission's forecast by roughly 15 per cent. By reducing the quantity of HFC refrigerants placed on the market via a phase-down scheme based on their CO2 eq content, emissions will decline further. It has to be understood, however, that using lower GWP refrigerants may require a re-assessment of their safety implications as most of the alternatives are mildly or even extremely flammable, which excludes their use in certain applications. There is no perfect refrigerant.'

The EPEE research suggests that whilst F-gases only make up for 1.8 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU-27, CO2 contributes to over 80 per cent generated to a large extent by energy consumption. Any refrigerant bans or GWP cut-offs prescribing the use of certain refrigerants could therefore be counter-productive leading to higher energy consumption and increasing emissions.

To view the Executive Summary of the ARMINES / ERIE study click here.

Follow HVROnlineEditor on Twitter
28 October 2011

Comments

Already Registered?
Login
Not Yet Registered?
Register

FETA welcomes guests to Annual Luncheon

The 2024 FETA Annual Luncheon took place on Thursday 11th April and attracted guests from across the heating, ventilation, building controls, refrigeration and air conditioning industries as well as individuals from related institutions, ...

  25-Apr-2024

Prizes galore to be won on Conex Bänninger’s interactive stand

Conex Bänninger, a global leader in the manufacture of high-quality fittings, valves and accessories, will have an enhanced interactive stand (5D19) at InstallerShow 2024....

  25-Apr-2024

STOKVIS R600

CONDENSING ULTRA LOW NOx PREMIX COMMERCIAL BOILER
  10-Jan-2019
Heating & Ventilating Review is the number one magazine in the HVAR industry. Don’t miss out, subscribe today!
Subcribe to HVR

Diary

HVR Awards 2024