F-gases move closer to phase out in Europe
European parliamentarians have voted with a large majority to accelerate the phase-out of fluorinated gases (F-gases).
The vote follows a recommendation from the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety (ENVI) and subject to likely final agreement by Council, will see the full phase out and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons in the region by 2050.
Among these is SF6, widely used in electrical switchgear, while others are used in for example refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pumps.
The target brings the reduction of F-gas emissions in line with the EU’s 2050 climate neutrality goal.
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“F-gases are not well known, but have major implications for our climate, as they are very powerful greenhouse gases. In most instances, natural alternatives are readily available. That’s why we voted for an ambitious position to fully phase out F-gases by 2050 and in most sectors already by the end of this decade,” said rapporteur Bas Eickhout.
“We are providing clarity to the market and a signal to invest in alternatives.”
In the energy sector manufacturers are already providing alternatives to SF6 such as air-insulated switchgear and have welcomed the vote.
In a statement, the members of the Switching Gears for Net Zero alliance, Siemens, Siemens Energy, Mitsubishi Electric, Toshiba, Schneider Electric and Nuventura, describe the development as a “historic step in the direction of more energy security, greener electricity grids and a better protected environment”.
Stating that the European Parliament sends a strong message to industry and governments worldwide that Europe is ready to lead the transition to natural-origin alternatives, they urge the Council to follow suit and confirm the phase-out of F-gases in switchgear.
“We thank MEPs for their commitment to green and safe energy grids,” said Bertrand Deprez, VP of EU Government Affairs at Schneider Electric, on behalf of the alliance.
“We have the opportunity to create a regulatory environment that strengthens Europe’s innovative edge and translates years of research and development into jobs, industrial growth, and competitiveness.”
Among the measures approved are prohibitions on the use of SF6 and other F-gases in new and replacement switchgear at MV level from 1 January 2026 and at HV level from 1 January 2028.
However, switchgears already installed in the grid as of these dates do not require to be replaced.
The MEP vote was carried with 426 in favour, 109 against and 52 abstentions.
Listen to Siemens Energy’s Future Energy Perspectives article on F-gas to learn more about alternatives:
