International News
F-GAS PROPOSALS
‘ DISASTROUS ’ FOR SPAIN
Edited by Eamonn Ryan
Spain is up in arms regarding the EU proposal to phase out
HFCs at a rapid rate . In the same month in which South Africa has hosted a workshop on the phase out of HCFCs and phase down of HFCs , there has not been much discussion locally on the economic impact of doing so – albeit our targets appear to be longer term . Spain ’ s economy bears some similarities to South Africa , and its response is illuminating , according to this article which appeared in Cooling Post .
Twelve associations and groups from across the Spanish HVACR industry and end user sectors have written to Members of the European Parliament ( MEPs ) expressing concern at the F-gas revision proposals .
In addition to HVACR and insulation manufacturers and contractors , the joint letter has also been signed by organisations representing supermarkets , retail distribution companies , food , agriculture and hospitality .
The statement maintains that a ban on HFCs could have a negative impact on the country ’ s economy and on the operations of numerous sectors , especially tourism and agriculture , including food exports .
It says that the proposed bans would jeopardise energysaving targets and prevent Spain from complying with the REPowerEU plan . The co-signees also warn of the potential financial implications to Spain ’ s important food , tourism and hospitality sectors .
They claim that F-gases , especially the latest generation , offer superior energy efficiency that will allow Spain to save on energy costs and make heating and cooling affordable for households , tourism and food exports .
“ Maintaining the use of the more efficient , safe and economically viable refrigerant solutions ( both fluorinated and non-fluorinated ) with lower GWP and environmental impact as well as preserving the scheme of gradual reduction of fluorinated gases of the current version of the regulation will allow Spain to carry out its energy transition in a more economically sound and sustained manner as a country , both for its citizens and its basic industries ,” the statement says .
It also claims : “ F-gases , and especially the latest generation , offer superior energy efficiency that will allow Spain to save on energy costs and make heating and cooling affordable for households , tourism and food exports .
“ Regulators should promote legislative texts that ensure technological neutrality , allowing industry to meet its needs
Tasty flower | Unsplash
by choosing the best solution in each case among the most energy efficient , sustainable and safe refrigerants on the market ,” it adds .
AGRI-FOOD According to the group ’ s statement , the agri-food sector , one of Spain ’ s major exporting sectors and which contributes about 10 % to Spain ’ s GDP , still largely operates on cooling systems with high GWP HFCs due to the higher cost of CO2 or glycol alternatives . Most are SMEs who would be faced with high-cost unplanned investments .
It is estimated that more than 90 % of the 24 000 food distribution outlets in Spain could not be maintained if the proposed ban on the maintenance of refrigeration systems was enacted .
“ The conversion of the entire fleet of facilities to systems without fluorinated is simply unfeasible under the proposed timings in the various amendments ,” the group says .
TOURISM The unintended consequences for the tourism and service industry could be “ disastrous ” for Spain , the statement says , since
“ The conversion of the entire fleet of facilities to systems without fluorinated is simply unfeasible under the proposed timings in the various amendments ,” the group says .
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I May 2023 9