F-gas vote sets “unrealistic” goals
30th March 2023
BELGIUM: European refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump manufacturers’ group EPEE has expressed dismay at today’s F-gas revision vote, saying it sets unrealistic goals and undermines the heat pump rollout.
EPEE has signalled its disappointment at the rejection of several amendments which, it says, would have helped Europe achieve its climate and energy independence goals while maintaining an affordable but ambitious regulation.
“The European Parliament F-gas vote harms European industry and harms Europeans by pushing unrealistic goals that undermine the heat pump rollout and hold back the decarbonisation of the built environment – indirectly benefiting fossil fuel-based technologies,” said EPEE director general Russell Patten.
“We are dismayed that parliament has rejected pragmatic amendments to the implementation of the F-gas regulation revision,” he added.
On Tuesday, EPEE put its name to a statement signed by 14 leading European and global associations urging MEPs to adopt a number of new amendments that they said “would help ensure an effective F-gas phase down while maintaining the EU’s climate and energy security goals”. All but one of those amendments failed.
“Our members are fully committed to the phasedown of HFCs, but are gravely concerned that the amendments adopted in the European Parliament today are not affordable for many Europeans, are not technically feasible in all applications, risk the safety and energy efficiency of some equipment, and do not allow enough time to properly train installers and service technicians.”
“We remain hopeful that we can achieve some balance in this regulation over the coming months,” said Patten.
“Today’s plenary vote demonstrated less support for ENVI’s proposals, showing that some of industry’s key messages are being heard. We now look to the Council and member states, and hope industry’s perspective will be considered to develop a more pragmatic and realistic implementation.”
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