HFC Phase-down
What is HFC Phase-down
The HFC Phase-down is a gradual decrease in the amount of HFC gases permitted to be imported into Australia. It was introduced by the Australian government to help Australia achieve its international commitments to the Montreal Protocol and Kigali Agreement. Introduced in 1987, the Montreal Protocol was created to phase-out the production and import of nearly 100 ozone-depleting substances such as HCFC refrigerants.
The Kigali Agreement, focusing on the phase-down of HFC refrigerants commenced on Jan 1, 2018 in Australia, The Australian Government has a goal to combat greenhouse gas emissions so that, by 2036, emissions will be reduced almost 30% from 2005 levels, leading to Australia becoming completely carbon neutral by 2050 (Refrigerants Australia, read more here).
An extremely important step in this journey is being dedicated to moves away from the use of substances that had negative impacts on the ozone layer or climate change such as HCFCs which are being phased out globally under the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) are a group of chemicals primarily used for air-conditioning and refrigeration. When they are built up in the atmosphere, they can increase global warming. The Global Warming Potential (GWP) is a rating to measure the ability of a substance to trap heat in the atmosphere. The lower the GWP of a refrigerant, the lower the impact on the environment.
The HFC phase-down sets an import quota on specified high-GWP refrigerants, based on their cumulative GWP. A quota was introduced in 2018 to reduce usage by 85% by 2036. The phase-down allows for a residual amount of HFC imports after 2036 for uses where alternatives are not available, and for maintenance of equipment that has already been imported into Australia.
The phase-down is encouraging the switch to alternative substances that have less impact on the environment.
Low GWP alternatives to HFCs include:
- HFCs with lower GWP, such as R32
- Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), such as R448A
- HFC-HFO blends, such as R513A
- Natural refrigerants, such as CO2
To read more about which gases are being phased out and how to futureproof your equipment, click here