Cooling expert will address new proposals to decrease F-gases outlined by the European Commission and discuss how they will impact owners and operators of refrigeration equipment.

Star Refrigeration’s Technical Sales Specialist, Adam Strachan, will present a webinar hosted by the Cold Chain Federation on Tuesday 31^st January 2023 to discuss the European Commission’s draft revision to the F-gas Regulation. The webinar entitled ‘What does the proposed new F-Gas Regulation revision mean for operators of cooling equipment’ will examine the revised proposals drafted to meet 2050 climate change targets faster and decrease the release of greenhouse gases with high global warming potential into the environment.

Many synthetic fluorinated gases (F-gases), have a global warming impact that can be thousands of times more damaging than CO₂ . In the webinar, which runs from 12.30 – 1.15 PM, Adam will look at how the proposed changes will affect businesses, highlighting possible acceleration of the 79% decrease in F-gas usage that could be brought forward from 2030 to 2024. He will also advise on how the quota management and tax introduced by the new  revision will result in a reduction of refrigerant availability over time, while demand is expected to increase, subsequently driving up prices.

At the halfway point of the existing phase-down timeline, the European Commission has proposed a new draft revision to the F-gas Regulation (5th April 2022) to achieve more stringent targets. This includes an acceleration in the current CO₂ equivalent reduction targets from 79% to 95% reduction by 2030, with the ultimate aim to cut F-gas quotas by 97.5%, in time for 2050 Net Zero targets. The draft also includes phase down steps beyond 2030 which are reinforced by bans and restrictions on equipment, leak detection schedules, and a stronger plan to trace refrigerants that enter the UK marketplace through customs.

Attendees will also learn about alternative refrigerants, including ammonia and CO₂ based technologies, as well as HFOs – the fourth generation of synthetic refrigerant gases.

Adam Strachan, said “It is likely that the new measures proposed in the latest draft  F-gas regulation revision will come into force next year as international pressure to reduce F-gas emissions mounts. However, continuous calls from the EU’s Environmental Committee for an outright ban and an even steeper phase down than the April 2022 proposal, suggest that the latest set of revisions may not be the last.”

“Businesses operating F-gas refrigeration equipment must adapt in response to legislative changes and to do so effectively, they need to stay informed as to what’s coming. I will be examining this in the webinar and answering any questions that arise.”

Experts predict that the revised regulations will result in shaving around 0.5 degree Celsius off the global temperature increase, with a 55% reduction of fluorinated gas usage already being achieved as of June 2022.

The webinar, which is organised by the Cold Chain Federation – the trade body representing the UK temperature controlled storage and distribution industry – is set to offer attendees valuable information to address future challenges in light of forthcoming proposals to the new EU F-gas phase down legislation.

Streaming live on Tuesday 31^st January between 12.30 and 1.15 PM, the webinar is open to both members and non-members. To attend the free event, register at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6090179941045231704 . Those who register their interest will also receive a copy of the recording for later viewing.

To learn more about The Cold Chain Federation, visit https://www.coldchainfederation.org.uk

To find out more about Star Refrigeration’s F-gas Regulation-compliant refrigeration systems, go to https://www.star-ref.co.uk