The recent agreement between the US and China to work together to phase-down HFCs through the Montreal Protocol framework, gave a fresh breeze to the policy session at the ATMOsphere America 2013, in which the latest US policy developments relevant to the natural refrigerant industry were discussed.
The second annual ATMOsphere America conference, which was held on 18-19 June 2013 in Washington, DC, brought together regulatory bodies, end-users, component and system suppliers, associations and NGOs to discuss the “business case for natural refrigerants” in North America and how this could be advanced through market and regulatory tools. While the focus of the discussions was on domestic developments, such as latest policy incentives and standardisation requirements, the potential developments at the international level on limiting the use of HFCs might play an important role in strengthening the regulatory framework for natural refrigerants in the US.
Montreal Protocol and CCAC – key in addressing HFC growth
While enormous progress has been made with phasing out ozone depleting substances (ODS), the growth of HFCs “is a problem we see in the immediate future”, noted John Thompson from the US Department of State. A good opportunity to address this challenge internationally is through the Montreal Protocol and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the two initiatives that have been at the centre of US efforts to reduce the use and production of HFCs. Mr. Thompson emphasised, that CCAC and the Montreal Protocol are both complimentary in ensuring progress on HFCs and promoting climate friendly technologies.
The latest proposal to amend the Montreal Protocol, submitted by Canada, Mexico and the US, follows a similar approach to that used to phase-out ODS. However, the proposal foresees a phase-down mechanism instead of a phase-out system, explained Mr. Thompson. It takes into account that certain applications might need a longer period of time to find suitable alternatives for HFCs. Although President Obama and President Xi have agreed to work together, a lot of work still remains as several countries, including India, Argentina, Brazil and Kuwait, are reluctant to discuss an international agreement to phase-down HFCs.
When asked whether there is reason to hope that the Montreal Protocol will be amended, Mr. Thompson responded: "We can, without significant economic disruption, move forward."
Update from US EPA: HC venting prohibition exemption, active SNAP submissions
Latest policy developments at the domestic level were discussed by Cindy Newberg from the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Her presentation provided a regulatory update on HCFC phase-out regulations and labeling requirements that, as of 2015, will apply to both domestically-produced and imported products containing HCFCs.
Ms. Newberg also mentioned the proposed exemption to the `no venting` prohibition for hydrocarbons in domestic and retail stand-alone units, for which a public consultation period had passed and the US EPA is currently evaluating the comments. The US EPA is also continuously evaluating substitute alternatives under the Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP) Program and now has 15-20 active submissions under review, including fluorinated and non-fluorinated alternatives as well as new molecules. Ms. Newberg concluded by explaining that the main idea behind the US policy approach is to combine several elements, including a robust licensing system, prohibitions on certain uses, refrigerant management, alternative identification and collaboration with partners.
DOE’s Appliance Standards Program to contribute to annual savings of 260 million tons CO2 by 2020
An overview of appliance and commercial equipment standards was presented by Lucas Adin from the US Department of Energy (DOE). The Appliance Standards Program establishes mandatory standard energy efficiency levels and test procedures for measuring the energy efficiency of over 60 products covered by the programme. DOE estimates that the covered products are responsible for 90% of residential building energy consumption, 60% of commercial building energy consumption, and approximately 29% of industrial energy consumption. Mr Adin explained that the Program, which closely collaborates with the EPA ENERGY STAR and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is highly effective with annual carbon dioxide savings expected to reach nearly 260 million tons by 2020.
Concerning the requirements currently being developed, Mr. Adin stated that approximately 30 products are undergoing the Standard Rulemakings procedure, while for another 30 products, Test Procedure Rulemakings are ongoing. Furthermore, in 2013 the DOE also began working also on ENERGY STAR test methods for approximately 12 products.
UL standards – update on natural refrigerants
A historical overview and an update on UL standards for natural refrigerants were presented by Brian Rodgers from the Underwriters Laboratories. In addition to household refrigerators, UL has developed requirements for the use of flammable refrigerants in commercial refrigerators, vending machines, and room air conditioners.
UL is also in the process of finalising the certification criteria for CO2 transcritical systems, which is expected to facilitate the widespread adoption of this technology in the North American market.
OSHA Regulations for Natural Refrigerants
"Environmental protection and workers safety have to go hand in hand," according to Michael Marshall from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA. In his presentation, Mr. Marshall outlined the safety standards that apply to natural refrigerants, including general industry standards as well as specific standards for the use of ammonia, CO2 and hydrocarbons.
Montreal Protocol and CCAC – key in addressing HFC growth
While enormous progress has been made with phasing out ozone depleting substances (ODS), the growth of HFCs “is a problem we see in the immediate future”, noted John Thompson from the US Department of State. A good opportunity to address this challenge internationally is through the Montreal Protocol and the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC), the two initiatives that have been at the centre of US efforts to reduce the use and production of HFCs. Mr. Thompson emphasised, that CCAC and the Montreal Protocol are both complimentary in ensuring progress on HFCs and promoting climate friendly technologies.
The latest proposal to amend the Montreal Protocol, submitted by Canada, Mexico and the US, follows a similar approach to that used to phase-out ODS. However, the proposal foresees a phase-down mechanism instead of a phase-out system, explained Mr. Thompson. It takes into account that certain applications might need a longer period of time to find suitable alternatives for HFCs. Although President Obama and President Xi have agreed to work together, a lot of work still remains as several countries, including India, Argentina, Brazil and Kuwait, are reluctant to discuss an international agreement to phase-down HFCs.
When asked whether there is reason to hope that the Montreal Protocol will be amended, Mr. Thompson responded: "We can, without significant economic disruption, move forward."
Update from US EPA: HC venting prohibition exemption, active SNAP submissions
Latest policy developments at the domestic level were discussed by Cindy Newberg from the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA). Her presentation provided a regulatory update on HCFC phase-out regulations and labeling requirements that, as of 2015, will apply to both domestically-produced and imported products containing HCFCs.
Ms. Newberg also mentioned the proposed exemption to the `no venting` prohibition for hydrocarbons in domestic and retail stand-alone units, for which a public consultation period had passed and the US EPA is currently evaluating the comments. The US EPA is also continuously evaluating substitute alternatives under the Significant New Alternative Policy (SNAP) Program and now has 15-20 active submissions under review, including fluorinated and non-fluorinated alternatives as well as new molecules. Ms. Newberg concluded by explaining that the main idea behind the US policy approach is to combine several elements, including a robust licensing system, prohibitions on certain uses, refrigerant management, alternative identification and collaboration with partners.
DOE’s Appliance Standards Program to contribute to annual savings of 260 million tons CO2 by 2020
An overview of appliance and commercial equipment standards was presented by Lucas Adin from the US Department of Energy (DOE). The Appliance Standards Program establishes mandatory standard energy efficiency levels and test procedures for measuring the energy efficiency of over 60 products covered by the programme. DOE estimates that the covered products are responsible for 90% of residential building energy consumption, 60% of commercial building energy consumption, and approximately 29% of industrial energy consumption. Mr Adin explained that the Program, which closely collaborates with the EPA ENERGY STAR and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), is highly effective with annual carbon dioxide savings expected to reach nearly 260 million tons by 2020.
Concerning the requirements currently being developed, Mr. Adin stated that approximately 30 products are undergoing the Standard Rulemakings procedure, while for another 30 products, Test Procedure Rulemakings are ongoing. Furthermore, in 2013 the DOE also began working also on ENERGY STAR test methods for approximately 12 products.
UL standards – update on natural refrigerants
A historical overview and an update on UL standards for natural refrigerants were presented by Brian Rodgers from the Underwriters Laboratories. In addition to household refrigerators, UL has developed requirements for the use of flammable refrigerants in commercial refrigerators, vending machines, and room air conditioners.
UL is also in the process of finalising the certification criteria for CO2 transcritical systems, which is expected to facilitate the widespread adoption of this technology in the North American market.
OSHA Regulations for Natural Refrigerants
"Environmental protection and workers safety have to go hand in hand," according to Michael Marshall from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration OSHA. In his presentation, Mr. Marshall outlined the safety standards that apply to natural refrigerants, including general industry standards as well as specific standards for the use of ammonia, CO2 and hydrocarbons.
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By Ginta Vanaga
Jun 25, 2013, 11:05
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