Strickter F-Gas rules: How will they affect your refrigeration and freezing installations?
The European Union has decided to impose stricter rules on F-gases and hasten the reduction of the F-gas quota. Consequently, new European regulations will come into force on January 1, 2025, greatly affecting refrigeration and freezing systems that utilize refrigerants with a high Global Warming Potential (GWP). This strengthened F-gas regulation is part of the EU's larger initiative to decrease the use of fluorinated gases (F-gases) to combat global warming and the greenhouse effect.
Businesses that rely on refrigeration and freezing installations will need to take action to comply with the new regulations. In this article, we outline the key changes and how you can prepare for them.
What are F-Gases and why are they harmful?
F-gases are synthetic gases frequently used as refrigerants in cooling systems. They have a high GWP, meaning they significantly impact global warming. For instance, the refrigerant R404A has a GWP of 3922, indicating it is 3,922 times more impactful on the greenhouse effect than CO₂.
Impact of refrigerants on the greenhouse effect
| Refrigerant | GWP Value |
| R404A | 3922 |
| R452A | 2139 |
| R449A | 1396 |
| R290 (propaan) | 3 |
| R744 (CO₂) | 1 |
| R717 (NH³) | 0 |
Key changes in the F-Gas regulations
Service and maintenance:
- As of January 1, 2025, installations can no longer be refilled with new (virgin) refrigerant with a GWP > 2500.
- There is an allowance for recycled or reclaimed refrigerants with a GWP > 2500 until January 1, 2030. Post this date, these refrigerants will no longer be permissible for use in refrigeration systems.
- From January 1, 2032, systems can no longer be refilled with virgin refrigerants with a GWP > 750, except for recycled or reclaimed refrigerants with a GWP > 750.
Product restrictions for new refrigeration and freezing Installations:
- From January 1, 2030, only refrigeration equipment with a GWP of 150 or lower may be installed.
How will the stricter F-Gas legislation impact your bakery?
- Installation modification or replacement: Your current installation may need to be modified (retrofitted) or replaced to comply with the new legislation.
- Retrofit (drop-in) option: This process involves draining the current refrigerant and replacing it with a lower GWP alternative. However, drawbacks of a drop-in retrofit include reduced cooling capacity, higher energy consumption, and a shortened lifespan for the system, making it less ideal as a long-term solution.
- Higher prices for reclaimed/recycled refrigerants: Due to scarcity, prices for reclaimed or recycled refrigerants are likely to increase significantly, potentially making refills after a leak much more costly. Moreover, there is a high chance that these refrigerants may not always be available.
- Uncertainty about spare parts: As the demand for environmentally friendly installations grows, the availability of spare parts for older systems may decline. This means there’s no guarantee that specific parts will continue to be manufactured or supplied, making future maintenance more challenging and possibly more costly.
- Necessity of transitioning to environmentally-friendly alternatives: In the long run, transitioning to more sustainable options, such as CO₂ installations, will become essential
Advantages of adopting eco-friendly alternatives
For bakeries aiming to secure the longevity of their refrigeration installations, early investment in low-GWP options is a smart move. Refrigerants like CO₂ (GWP 1) and propane (GWP 3) are significantly more eco-friendly and come with several operational benefits. KOMA offers a comprehensive ECOline range featuring sustainable solutions that are free from F-gases and do not have PFAS limitations.
How KOMA can help you with the transition
At KOMA, we recognize that these changes can greatly affect your operations. Our specialists are prepared to offer advice tailored to your unique needs. Whether you require a new installation, insights into the updated regulations, or maintenance solutions, we are here to support you. Together, we’ll make sure your business is ready for the future.
