F gas regulation in Great Britain: Reform of the HFC phasedown
Proposal for reform of the HFC phasedown
This is a consultation on proposed legislative reform: targeted changes to the HFC phasedown schedule for GB, which is set out in Annex 5 of the F gas Regulation. This reform would further restrict the overall total quantity of HFCs which can be placed on the market in GB. The changes to the HFC phasedown would commence from 1 January 2027.
What are F gases?
Fluorinated gases (F gases) are a family of manufactured gases used in a range of industrial, commercial and domestic applications. Following regulatory measures to phase out ozone depleting substances (ODS) pursuant to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (the Montreal Protocol), F gases were often introduced as a replacement for ODS. Whilst not ozone-depleting, F gases are powerful greenhouse gases, with a global warming potential (GWP) that can be up to 22,800 times higher than carbon dioxide. The GWPs mentioned in this document are derived from the International Panel on Climate Change’s Fourth Assessment Report. Those GWPs are reflected in Annex 1 of the F gas Regulation.
F gases contributed to 1.83% of greenhouse gas emissions across the UK in 2023 and fall into four groups: hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). HFCs are the main group of F gases, forming 93.7% of UK 2023 F gas emissions, with by far the largest use of HFCs being as a refrigerant within the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps (RACHP) sector (79.5% of HFCs). Other sources of F gas emissions are from metered dose inhalers (MDIs), gas-insulated switchgear in the power sector, foams, fire protection systems, aerosols and other technical uses.
The proposal in this consultation has been developed through collaborative working between UK, Scottish and Welsh governments. However, as the proposal to change the HFC phasedown for GB relates to a reserved matter, Defra’s Secretary of State is consulting on the proposal.
If, following this consultation and subsequent government consideration, we decide to proceed with reforms, those would be legislative reforms.
A targeted approach to proposed reform has been taken, with the aim of implementing changes which will contribute to additional emissions savings as soon as possible.
