.svg)
Decree n°2019-708 published on July 4, 2019, the Kigali Amendment of October 15, 2016 to the Montreal Protocol (enacted in September 16, 1987), on substances that deplete the ozone layer. This amendment adds a progressive reduction target for the production and consumption of hydrofluorocarbons(HFCs) to the Montreal Protocol.
A look back at the Montreal Protocol signed in 1987
With the signing of the Montreal Protocol in 1987, the international community decided to ban the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) because of their impact on the ozone layer.
These substances are :
- Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) such as R11 or R12, also known as freons;
- hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) such as R 22 or R 408A;
- halons and other gases; ...
These gases have gradually been replaced by hydrofluorocarbons(HFCs), which have a lower impact on the ozone layer, but also have consequences for global warming.
The Kyoto Protocol to combat fluorinated greenhouse gases
In 1997, the international community reached a new agreement by signing the Kyoto Protocol for the control of fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases), such as :
- hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) ;
- perfluorocarbons (PFCs) ;
- SF 6 ;
- NO 2 ;
- CO 2 ;
- CH 4.
European and national regulations applicable to ozone-depleting substances and fluorinated GHGs stem directly from these international commitments:
Regulation no. 1005/2009/EC of September 16, 2009 on substances that deplete the ozone layer
Ozone-depleting substances such as CFCs, HCFCs, carbon tetrachloride, methyl bromide and halons are governed by regulation no. 1005/2009/EC of September 16, 2009.
This regulation imposes more restrictive measures than the Montreal Protocol on member states, such as :
- a ban on the production and marketing of the substances listed in the Montreal Protocol, as well as equipment containing them or relying on them, in particular for the maintenance or servicing of equipment;
- a ban on the marketing of virgin, reclaimed or recycled HCFCs;
- training of maintenance personnel for equipment containing controlled substances;
- recovery of substances contained in equipment for treatment.
Regulation No. 517/2014/EC of April 14, 2014 on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases, known as "F-Gas-II".
This regulation aims to contain, prevent and reduce emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol: HFCs, PFCs and SF6.
In fact, it does more than simply regulate the containment and periodic inspection of equipment. It also aims to progressively reduce the marketing of HFCs, so that users turn to alternative solutions.
Preventing emissions of fluorinated greenhouse gases is based on :
- Periodic leak checks ;
- keeping registers containing information on the quantities and types of fluorinated greenhouse gases installed, any quantities added and quantities recovered during maintenance and servicing operations;
- training and certification of personnel working on the equipment;
- Labeling: products and equipment containing fluorinated greenhouse gases must bear a label indicating the name of the fluorinated gas and its quantity;
- bans on the use of certain fluorinated greenhouse gases.
Deadlines for bans in France
New measures to take into account
Eventually, the refrigeration equipment concerned will no longer be able to be recharged with gas for maintenance purposes, requiring conversion to a new fluid or replacement. Manufacturers will have to adapt quickly to these new restrictions and take them into account:
- For the maintenance of existing equipment; many of the HFCs on the market are used for the maintenance and recharging of existing equipment. The reduction in available quantities and supply difficulties should encourage companies to pay greater attention to the proper containment of fluids in their facilities, in order to prevent fugitive emissions. Recycling and regeneration practices for HFC fluids are also set to expand.
- For future investments: various alternatives to fluorinated GHGs are already available for refrigeration, air-conditioning and fire-extinguishing applications. In addition to the development of new molecules such as hydrofluorolefins (HFOs), pre-existing technologies are making a comeback, such as those based on hydrocarbons (e.g. ammonia or carbon dioxide used as refrigerants/carbon dioxide, nitrogen or argon used as extinguishing agents). Compared with fluorinated GHGs, natural gases, like hydrocarbons, have hazard characteristics (flammability, toxicity or asphyxiant power) that require particular attention from a safety point of view. In fact, it is inconceivable that the substitution of fluorinated GHGs would result in transforming a risk to the environment into a risk to people.