F-gases: the new environmental F-word
Progress rarely runs a straight line, and the route towards sustainable innovation – ridden with plot twists, fallen heroes and fading heydays – is no exception. Once hailed as a breakthrough alternative to ozone-depleting substances, fluorinated gases have emerged as a serious climate concern due to their powerful warming effect and persistence in the atmosphere. With synthetic F-gases now squarely in regulators' crosshairs, the EU has made eliminating them a top environmental priority, and the available time for companies to phase them out is shrinking fast.
But plot twists do not have to mean hardship. This regulatory pressure represents an opportunity for businesses to usher in a new chapter of innovation, redefine their leadership principles and pioneer the next generation of sustainable cooling technologies.
Clearing the air: a glossary of gas-related acronyms
- HFCs (Hydrofluorocarbons): Making up roughly 90% of all F-gases, HFCs are commonly used in refrigeration and air conditioning. While they do not deplete the ozone layer, they have an extremely high global warming potential (GWP).
- CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons): Once widely used in refrigeration and aerosols, CFCs were banned under the 1987 Montreal Protocol because of their significant ozone depletion potential (ODP) and high GWP.
- HCFCs (Hydrochlorofluorocarbons): A transitional replacement for CFCs, these gases were phased out due to their continued (albeit lower) contribution to ozone depletion and high GWP.
- GWP (Global Warming Potential): A measure of how much heat a gas traps in the atmosphere over time compared to CO₂.
The rise and fall of F-gases
First developed in the 1930s, the use of F-gases – specifically, HFCs, perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF₆) – expanded rapidly between 1990 and 2014 as manufacturers sought alternatives to CFCs and HCFCs. These older compounds contain chlorine and when released into the stratosphere, they break down ozone molecules, increasing the size of the hole in the ozone layer.
HFCs were considered a sounder alternative; these chlorine-free compounds are non-toxic, non-flammable and highly efficient for cooling and insulation. They were also seen as safer and more stable for refrigeration, air conditioning and fire suppression applications.
However, while HFCs help protect the ozone layer, they exacerbate a different environmental problem. Currently making up 2.5% of the EU's greenhouse gas emissions, F-gases have a global warming potential thousands of times greater than CO₂ and their atmospheric lifetime spans decades, sometimes centuries. Now classified as PFAS or "forever chemicals", they are subject to tightening regulations and even prohibition while regulators promote a transition to natural refrigerants.
Breaking down the new F-gas rules : what’s changing under Regulation (EU) 2024/573 ?
To mitigate the impact of high GWP refrigerants, the European Union introduced Regulation (EU) 2024/573 in March 2024. Using a quota system for importers and producers, it aims to ensure that HFCs are almost completely phased out by 2050, and by enforcing compliance across all industries, it is designed to drive a swift transition to climate-friendly alternatives.
The EU Commission has adopted 4 Implementing Regulations to help companies align with the new regulation:
1. Labelling requirements: As of January 1, 2025, all F-gas containers and equipment must bear updated labels with clear information on their environmental impact and handling instructions.
2. New reporting format: Companies handling F-gases must submit annual reports in a new format via the EU’s F-gas portal. The first deadline for this is 31 March 2025, covering data from 2024. Accurate reporting is crucial for companies to remain compliant, and the use of digital tools such as the F-gas portal will help streamline these processes and reduce the administrative burden.
3. Compulsory certification: Previously, only professionals working with F-gases required certification. Now, technicians handling alternative refrigerants like hydrocarbons, CO₂ or ammonia also need to be certified to ensure safe handling. EU member states have until March 2025 to implement these new requirements.
4. F-gas portal: This is the Commission’s digital interface designed to monitor quotas, issue licences and help companies comply with the new requirements. Companies will need to ensure that their employees have been properly trained to use this digital platform to ensure regulatory compliance.
Key dates to remember :
- 11 March 2024: Regulation (EU) 2024/573 comes into effect
- 1 January 2025: New labelling requirements apply
- 31 March 2025: First reporting deadline for 2024 data
- March 2025: Certification changes to be implemented by all Member States
Ongoing: Progressive phasing out of high-GWP refrigerants
Which industries are affected?
Refrigeration and air conditioning: Supermarkets, cold stores and industrial refrigeration operators are among the most severely impacted as many of their systems still rely on high GWP HFCs. As a result, these businesses will need to prioritise transitioning to CO₂, ammonia or a hydrocarbon alternative—the sooner the better. They will also need to ensure their technicians acquire the required new certifications.
Heat pumps: Many heat pump models still use HFC-based refrigerants. To meet the new requirements, manufacturers will need to focus on natural alternatives like propane (R290) and CO₂.
Fire protection systems and switchgear: Industries using F-gases in fire suppression and electrical switchgear also face an urgent need to adapt. Fire protection systems will need to turn to alternatives like inert gases or water-based solutions. Meanwhile, the electrical industry will need to find substitutes for SF₆-dependent switchgear applications as SF₆ ranks among the most potent greenhouse gases.
So, what should you be doing?
You should already be taking action by:
- Training your technicians to meet the new certification requirements
- Retrofitting your equipment to use low-GWP refrigerants
- Ensuring compliance with new labelling and reporting rules
- Using the F-gas portal to help track compliance
Exploring natural alternatives to F-gases
In many sectors, the phase-out of F-gases is inevitable. As such, industries looking to future-proof their operations need to proactively transition to natural refrigerants. Alternatives include CO₂, ammonia or and hydrocarbons (propane, isobutane), which are both highly efficient and have a minimal environmental impact. In particular, CO₂ (R-744) is gaining ground in commercial refrigeration, whereas ammonia (R-717) remains the preferred choice for industrial applications due to its excellent thermodynamic properties. Meanwhile, hydrocarbons like propane (R-290) are increasingly used in heat pumps and smaller refrigeration systems.
In addition, while not a direct replacement for F-gases, hydrogen can serve as an energy source for hydrogen fuel cells to power low-carbon refrigeration and cooling systems. Despite current challenges such as storage security and infrastructure, continued innovation could turn it into a key enabler for sustainable cooling.
The F-gas regulation: a catalyst for innovation
Upgrading to sustainable refrigeration and cooling systems may seem like a steep climb, but the long-term benefits (lower emissions, reduced costs and future-proofing against future environmental standards) make the journey worth it. And with the right partner, the road ahead does not have to be so challenging.
At Equans, we specialise in low-carbon cooling, refrigeration and fire protection systems, helping businesses turn today’s regulatory challenges into opportunities for responsible innovation. Our experts know how to navigate the twists and turns of evolving regulatory landscapes, crafting bespoke strategies that balance operational efficiency, sustainability and compliance. Using our extensive expertise in natural refrigerants and hydrogen-powered energy systems, we are able to develop forward-thinking, high-performance solutions that do not just ease the transition to greener technologies but accelerate it. More importantly, we empower companies to become pioneers—shaping what comes next, rather than racing to keep up.
