Revised F-Gas Regulation 2024/573: Stricter Requirements and Their Impacts

With the updated F-Gas Regulation 2024/573, the EU is intensifying its climate protection measures. This regulation builds upon the 2015 framework and reinforces efforts to reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases.

The objective is to further cut F-Gas emissions and accelerate the transition to environmentally friendly technologies.

Stricter GWP Limits and Accelerated Phase-Down

The regulation introduces stricter caps on the Global Warming Potential (GWP) and accelerates the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) placed on the market. Starting in 2030, stationary refrigeration systems must no longer contain F-Gases with a GWP above 150, except for chillers. Simultaneously, the allowed quantity of F-Gases will be reduced in several stages: from 2025, only 24.3% of 2015 levels can be placed on the market, and from 2027, this will drop to just 12.3%.

New Bans and Restrictions

The regulation introduces new phased bans on specific F-Gases for various applications starting in 2025. For example:

• Commercial refrigerators and freezers, which are hermetically sealed, must not contain F-Gases with a GWP above 150.
• Split air-conditioning systems with less than 3 kg of refrigerant charge are subject to a similar ban for GWP values over 750.

From 2027, monobloc heat pumps and air-conditioning systems up to 12 kW will be prohibited from using F-Gases with a GWP above 150. By 2032, the use of fluorinated gases in these devices will be entirely banned.

Stricter rules also apply to stationary refrigeration systems: as of 2030, F-Gases with a GWP over 150 will no longer be permitted. Additionally, service bans will come into effect, targeting systems that use refrigerants with a GWP above 2500. This applies even to recycled or reclaimed refrigerants.

Objective of the Regulation

The new measures reflect the EU's ambitious climate goals to eliminate fluorinated greenhouse gas emissions entirely by 2050. The regulation aims to further reduce F-Gas emissions and hasten the adoption of sustainable technologies.

Companies are urged to adapt their products and processes, prioritizing sustainable technologies to meet these new standards and contribute to climate protection.