European F-Gas legislation, governed by EU Regulation 2024/573, establishes rules for the use, containment, and phase-out of fluorinated greenhouse gases – substances responsible for global warming and having a high environmental impact if released.
F-gases are refrigerant gases essential for the operation of various types of equipment, such as air conditioners, heat pumps, gas-based fire suppression systems, chillers, and refrigeration plants.
Specifically regarding chillers, the new regulation imposes very strict limits on new installations starting January 1, 2027. These limits are based on Global Warming Potential (GWP) and establish the phasing out of certain types of F-gases in favor of low-environmental-impact gases or natural refrigerants.
Hence, the limits on refrigerant gas employ for newly manufactured chillers vary according to capacity:
- Up to 12 kW capacity: From January 1, 2027, there is an absolute ban on using fluorinated gases with a GWP of 150 or higher (subject to specific exemptions where necessary to meet safety requirements).
- Above 12 kW capacity: From January 1, 2027, the use of fluorinated refrigerants is permitted only if they have a GWP below 750.
- From January 1, 2032: The regulation becomes even stricter, imposing a total ban on the use of any fluorinated gas.
