THE European Commission has launched a public consultation on strengthening the F-gas regulations in an effort to eliminate up to two thirds of today's fluorinated gas emissions by 2030. Suggestions include new voluntary agreements, bans for new products and equipment and the introduction of a scheme for phasing-down the placing of HFCs on the EU market.
A Commission review, which was also adopted today, concludes that the EU's existing Regulation on fluorinated gases (F-gases) is having a significant impact but that, without further measures, F-gas emissions are expected to remain at today's levels in the long term.

The review identifies wide scope for further cost-effective emission reductions, mainly due to the growing feasibility of replacing F-gases in several sectors with alternatives that make less or no contribution to climate change.

While accepting that the F-gas regulations had successfully broken a growing trend in emissions and driven technological innovation, Connie Hedegaard, European Commissioner for Climate Action, said: 'It is clear there is considerable scope for cost-effective reductions in F-gas emissions and following the public consultation I intend to propose new legislative measures next year.'

The Commission's review of the 2006 F-gas regulation accepts that the measures are expected to prevent almost half of projected F-gas emissions by 2050 if shortcomings in their implementation and enforcement are rectified. The Commission therefore calls upon Member States to intensify their efforts in this respect.

Despite this, the EC does not see total F-gas emissions decreasing in the long term compared due to their growing use in air conditioning and refrigeration. The EC sees these as sectors where the use of alternatives is becoming increasingly feasible.

The consultation runs until 19 December 2011.