Germany will be drawing a “strategy to enhance the use of hydrocarbons as refrigerants”, according to a presentation by the German Federal Environment Agency at ATMOsphere Europe 2012 conference.
The announcement came by Ms Katja Becken, Policy Advisor, German Federal Environment Agency at the policy session of the ATMOsphere Europe 2012 conference that brought together about 200 participants from HVAC&R industry, policy and end-users.
Strategy to focus on standards
The strategy is part of Germany’s Climate Initiative and will to a large extend focus on standards.
The project runs from October 2012 to June 2014 and will hopefully be followed by an implementation strategy as a second step.
Standards were actually a recurring theme during the ATMOsphere Europe conference’s interactive debates and Q&A sessions. Several conference participants raised the issue of voluntary safety standards being dictated by the interests of companies represented in the standards making process, which requires significant effort and resources. Although voluntary these standards very often end up in regulatory texts that require conformity with them, while insurance companies also often require that these be respected.
One policy maker called on the natural refrigerant industry to become more active in the process of standard making, as government representatives do not have the technical knowledge necessary. Several industry players on the other hand urged the European Commission and government representatives overall to enhance their role in the standards making process and intervene when necessary to widen the scope of standards and allow the use of natural refrigerants. The industry alerted that otherwise there is a risk that any intention of a proposed regulation to realise climate benefits and accelerate the transition to climate friendly alternatives could be undermined.
Other UBA initiatives to enhance uptake of HFC-free substances
Ms Becken also informed participants about a ongoing study on “Measures to improve the market penetration of climate-friendly halogen-free substances in the context of the review of Regulation (EC) No. 842/2006”.
Moreover, the UBA will be analysing the European Commission proposal to strengthen the EU F-Gas Regulation published on 7 November 2012 in detail, compare it with calculations for Germany taking a HFC phase-down approach, and evaluate the necessity of additional national measures.
Strategy to focus on standards
The strategy is part of Germany’s Climate Initiative and will to a large extend focus on standards.
The project runs from October 2012 to June 2014 and will hopefully be followed by an implementation strategy as a second step.
Standards were actually a recurring theme during the ATMOsphere Europe conference’s interactive debates and Q&A sessions. Several conference participants raised the issue of voluntary safety standards being dictated by the interests of companies represented in the standards making process, which requires significant effort and resources. Although voluntary these standards very often end up in regulatory texts that require conformity with them, while insurance companies also often require that these be respected.
One policy maker called on the natural refrigerant industry to become more active in the process of standard making, as government representatives do not have the technical knowledge necessary. Several industry players on the other hand urged the European Commission and government representatives overall to enhance their role in the standards making process and intervene when necessary to widen the scope of standards and allow the use of natural refrigerants. The industry alerted that otherwise there is a risk that any intention of a proposed regulation to realise climate benefits and accelerate the transition to climate friendly alternatives could be undermined.
Other UBA initiatives to enhance uptake of HFC-free substances
Ms Becken also informed participants about a ongoing study on “Measures to improve the market penetration of climate-friendly halogen-free substances in the context of the review of Regulation (EC) No. 842/2006”.
Moreover, the UBA will be analysing the European Commission proposal to strengthen the EU F-Gas Regulation published on 7 November 2012 in detail, compare it with calculations for Germany taking a HFC phase-down approach, and evaluate the necessity of additional national measures.
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Nov 13, 2012, 14:42
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