Update of Regulation (EU) No. 517/2014: What You Need to Know About Changes in F Gases
The modification of Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 on Fluorinated Gases is now considered Approved Text. Pending final approval in Spain, we present some aspects that we consider noteworthy and of interest to the sector.
SCOPE OF APPLICATION (Article 2)
Although it clearly indicates that it only applies to fluorinated gases listed in its Annexes I, II, and III, it mentions non-fluorinated substances such as propane, butane, ammonia, etc. There are sections in the document, such as leak detection, where it refers to these gases and imposes a schedule of inspections.
REFRIGERANTS (Annexes I, II, and III)
It will include new refrigerants in the list of F-Gases, including but not limited to:
Note: * Classification to be determined. Not yet established.
The GWP values are modified for, among others:
Note: * Contains R-1234yf in its composition.
Note: WMO (World Meteorological Organization)
LEAK DETECTION
It establishes two categories of refrigerants in this regard, Annex I and Section 1 Annex II, based on their Ton CO2 Eq, the first, and by load (kg), the second.
The Inspection Frequency table would be:
Note: Ton. Eq. CO2=Refrigerant kg (Ton)·GWP
LEAK DETECTION SYSTEMS
The two premises regarding the existence of a Leak Detection System for more than 500 Ton CO2 Eq are maintained, adding the loads of the refrigerants from Annex II Section 1, in this case, 100 kg. Namely, for Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, and Heat Pumps:
- Operators shall ensure that the equipment is equipped with a leak detection system that alerts the operator or a service company to any leakage.
- Operators shall ensure that leak detection systems are checked at least once every twelve months to ensure their proper functioning.
Certification and Training (Article 10)
Certification and training programs will be based on:
– Installation
– Inspection
– Maintenance
– Repair
– Decommissioning
– Leak checks
– Recovery
With the following contents:
– Applicable regulations and technical standards
– Emission prevention
– Recovery of fluorinated greenhouse gases
– Safe handling of equipment
– Safe handling of equipment with flammable or toxic gases or operating at high pressure
– Measures to improve or maintain the energy efficiency of equipment during installation or maintenance.
It establishes an adaptation schedule regarding the effective date, considering certificates already issued in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 as valid:
- Within 1 year: Certification and Assessment Programs for individuals and companies.
- Within 2 years: Implementation of these Certification and Assessment Programs.
- Within 3 years: Member States will ensure that certified individuals are required to participate in update training courses or complete an assessment process at least every 7 years.
- Within 5 years: Those who already hold a certificate under Regulation 517/2014 will have undergone this assessment process for the first time.
USAGE CONTROL (Article 13)
It establishes schedules for the prohibition of maintenance of refrigerants with GWP higher than 750 and 2,500, except those indicated in Annex I.
Note: Prohibitions shall not apply to military equipment or devices intended for applications designed to cool products at temperatures below -50 °C.
GWP ≥ 2.500
The prohibitions shall not apply to military equipment or devices intended for applications designed to cool products at temperatures below -50 °C.
GWP ≥ 750
The prohibitions shall not apply to military equipment or devices intended for applications designed to cool products at temperatures below -50 °C.
Annex IV establishes the schedule of prohibitions, except for repair and maintenance.
Note: Except if necessary to meet safety requirements in the operating area.
CHILLERS
(except if necessary to meet safety requirements in the operating area)
AIR CONDITIONING AND HP (AIR-AIR)
2040. Review of Viability for HFCs Elimination
2050. Total Elimination of HFCs
IMPORTS AND EXPORTS
Starting from 2025, the export of fixed refrigeration and air conditioning devices and fixed heat pumps referred to in Annex IV, which contain fluorinated greenhouse gases or depend on them for operation, with a GWP equal to or greater than 1000, will be prohibited.
QUOTAS (Annex IV)
The maximum quantity of hydrofluorocarbons allowed to be introduced into the Union market in a given year shall be as follows:
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