Scottish HFC emissions rise by 188%

UK: HFC emissions increased by 188% between 2019 and 2020, according to new figures from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). 

Despite greenhouse gas emissions falling by 6% between 2019 and 2020, the latest Scottish Pollutant Release Inventory for 2020 reveals that HFC emissions saw a steep increase, totalling 3,636kg compared to 1263kg in 2019. The specific refrigerant(s) involved in the releases are not identified.

Five sites, three in the chemical sector and two food and beverage sites, reported emissions above the 100kg threshold in 2020. This compared to just two sites in 2019.  

SEPA says that regulatory work to investigate the chemicals sector releases is ongoing. The two food and beverage sites are said to have taken steps to upgrade their refrigeration to a non-F-gas system since 2020.