Implementation of F-gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014

On behalf of the EU Commission (DG CLIMA), Öko-Recherche has been working on a series of analyses evaluating the implementation of the F-gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 since 2015.

This includes among others the following:

• Monitoring of refrigerant prices: As a result of the progressive reduction (“phase-down”) of HFC quantities in the EU, prices for high GWP HFC refrigerants haven risen strongly and further price increases are expected in the coming years. In addition, prohibitions stipulated in Annex III of the F-gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 will contribute to price changes. 

In order to identify the actual effects of price increases on investment decisions and market developments, Öko-Recherche has developed a methodology for regular price monitoring and analysis of price developments. It allows gathering and evaluating data on purchase and selling prices of commonly used refrigerants and their alternatives at all levels of the supply chain (gas producers, gas distributors, OEMs, and service companies). The analysis also covers aspects such as the sectoral use and regional availability refrigerants and prices of quota authorisations. 

Concerning the acquisition of companies, Öko-Recherche works closely with associations from Germany (BWP, VDKF) and other EU member states (AFCE, ATF, CITEPA, SNEFFCA) and EU associations (AREA, ASERCOM, EPEE, Eurovent). Meanwhile about 70 companies from all levels of the refrigerant supply chain are participating in the quarterly price survey. Here, all information is treated confidentially and evaluated anonymously. 

Companies are invited to contribute in the price monitoring survey. More detailed information can be found in the webinar presentation below. If your are interested in participating, please contact Mr. David Robin (David.robin@oekorecherche.de).

• Analysis of the quota allocation mechanism and authorisations: The “HFC phase-down” enshrined in F-gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 has been implemented through a quota system since the beginning of 2015. All companies that wish to place HFCs on market must participate in this system. In cooperation with Öko-Institut, Öko-Recherche carried out an analysis by assessing experiences with quota allocation and authorisations, looking at potential problems and developing suggestions for the improvement of the mechanism. The EU Commission’s report on this topic can be found here. 
   
• Analysis of alternatives in commercial refrigeration: Direct expansion of refrigerants with a GWP > 150 will be banned in commercial multi-pack centralized refrigeration systems > 40 kW from 2022 onwards (Annex III of the EU F-gas Regulation). Öko-Recherche carried out a comprehensive survey, asking manufacturers and operators about the technology options used and underlying decisions. The report of the EU Commission can be found here.

Related Publications:

• Artikel zum Preismonitoring Q3/2019
• Artikel zum Preismonitoring 2016
• Briefing Paper: Preliminary assessment of the quota allocation method
• Briefing Paper: Availability of alternatives to HFCs in commercial refrigeration in the EU