The production, import and export of fluorinated-gases (F-gases) continued to decline in the European Union, according to a new report published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA) on Tuesday 13 December. F-gases have a high global warming potential.
The 2015 annual report on progress towards the EU target of reducing F-gas emissions by two thirds by 2030, compared to 2010 levels shows that, last year: - production of F-gases in the EU declined by 5 %; - F-gas imports to the EU decreased by about 40 %, compared with the exceptionally high amounts reported in 2014; - EU exports of F-gases decreased by 2 % (by weight) or 1 % (CO2-equivalent) compared with 2014; however, compared to 2013, exports increased by 18 % (by weight) and 23 % (CO2-eq.); - supply of F-gases in the EU decreased by about 24 % (by weight and as CO2-eq.).
The report was based on information provided by European companies.
F-gases were in many cases introduced to replace chemicals that were found to be harming the ozone layer. Currently, F-gases are mainly used in air-conditioning, refrigerators, flame retardants, solvents and aerosols.
Under a new EU regulation which has been applicable since 1 January 2015, the use of fluorinated gases will be banned in all new appliances, such as air conditioning equipment and fridges by 2022-2025, if viable, more environmentally-friendly substitutes are easily available (see EUROPE 11067).
The Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol on ozone-depleting substances fired the starting pistol for the phasing out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) worldwide (see EUROPE 11647). (Original version in French by Aminata Niang)