The revised F-gas regulations announced last April are expected to come into force in the UK and EU in 2024. The proposal aims to achieve a 95% reduction in F-gas availability by 2030, instead of the initial 75%. This steeper phase-down will be supported by tighter equipment regulations and increased traceability of banned refrigerants entering the market.
However, for organisations looking to be proactive, there are advantages in both early compliance and lower energy costs.
Improving energy efficiency through equipment and infrastructure upgrades will cut f-gas usage and thus improve sustainability credentials, while also reducing the organisations exposure to volatile grid prices. The F-gas regulation is intended to reduce emissions over time, so early investment can allow for a competitive advantage within the market. Organisations who fail to comply could be faced with expensive fines and legal penalties. Moreover, the importation and use of F-gas is limited by the EU F-Gas Regulation, meaning organisations that rely on the refrigerant are exposed to sudden price increases in the future.
There are low-GWP alternatives to using F-Gases for refrigeration, such as Industrial CO2 systems and ammonia chillers. On-site Energy Ltd can enable these upgrades through a zero capex, off-the-balance sheet financial model whereby we fund the design, construction, and management of the asset on agreed terms. It is important that organisations recognise the importance of initiating these energy efficiency and alternative cooling projects as early as possible, to ensure their business remains ahead of the curve.
