According to a recent statement by the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE), only 15 European governments are set to be on track for the July 2009 F-gas Regulation’s requirements.
As of July 2009, and under the European F-gas Regulation, only companies with certified and trained technicians can purchase F-gases for refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pumps. In a recent enquiry, the EPEE discovered that only 15 Member States had taken the necessary steps to comply with the Regulation.
8 on track, 7 pending and 12 gone missing
In early 2009, the EPEE undertook a survey to better assess how ready countries were for the July 2009 key phase out stage. Out of the 27 Member States questioned, only 20 wished to share this information of which only 8 will be on track with a certified scheme up and running as of July 2009. Seven other Member States said they would introduce interim certification systems ahead of the deadline, thus delaying the introduction of their final plan.
Background
The F-gas regulation, which entered into force in July 2007, is the legal tool to help EU Member States contain, prevent and thereby reduce emissions of high-global warming fluorinated greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol, such as HFCs. The legislation applies to refrigerants used in stationary refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump equipment.
To achieve a reduction of F-Gases from these sources, the Regulation addresses:
- containment, use, recovery and destruction of F-Gases;
- labelling and disposal of products and equipment containing those gases;
- reporting of information on the use and the control of those gases;
- prohibition to place products and equipment on the market;
- and training and certification of servicing personnel and operators involved.
