International. Meeting Europe's HFC phase-out targets depends on supermarkets in this area adopting lower GWP refrigerants, according to a refrigeration consultant.
Ray Gluckman, a consultant closely involved with the development and implementation of the EU's F-Gas Regulation, warned that there are not enough end-user, maintenance or installation companies that are taking the necessary steps for the European Union to achieve its goals.
He also warned of the next two big cuts in HFC availability. With the pre-loading team becoming part of the quota system in 2017, the cut in 2018 is around 44%. This is followed by a 60% reduction in 2021.
The commercial refrigeration sector, with its heavy reliance on high GWP refrigerant R404A, is the largest sector. "In 2018 almost half of what needs to be achieved must come from commercial refrigeration according to our model and hypothesis. We need an early change of R404A in particular in commercial refrigeration. In the UK it's happening," Ray Gluckman said, but suggested that's not necessarily the case across Europe.
For the consultant, to achieve the disposal objectives, three fundamental actions associated with new equipment, existing equipment and recovered refrigerants have been identified. All are seen as equally important. In new equipment it is considered essential to adopt lower GWP refrigerants and for manufacturers to produce equipment that requires a smaller refrigerant load and designed to ensure less leakage. A rigorous leak prevention regime and the use of retrofit gases of the lowest GWP is seen as essential areas that need to be addressed with existing equipment. Finally, the industry needs a vibrant and effective recovery market.
