EU urged to back natural refrigerants in heat pump roll-out
19th March 2025
UK: A group of environment-focused European NGOs have written to the European Commission to urge support for the roll-out of best-in-class “natural” refrigerant heat pumps.
Led by the UK-based Environmental Investigation Agency, the group of nine urge member states to include refrigerant gas considerations in their upcoming national Social Climate Plan (nSCP) measures related to heat pumps.
The letter, backed by a 20-page report, comes as EU member states put together plans to spend the €86bn of funds provided to them under the Social Climate Fund.
“As the European Union seeks to rapidly accelerate the heat pump roll out through the Social Climate Fund (SCF) and other means, it should ensure that it is maximising emissions reductions by prioritising the roll out of climate friendly refrigerants,” the group states in the letter.
European policymakers are urged to maximise the potential of heat pumps in the climate change fight, arguing that as many of the heat pumps installed over the funding period of the SCF could still be in operation in 2050, the use of HFC refrigerants could seriously impact the EU’s 2050 net zero target.
It suggests providing additional financial bonuses on top of standard heat pump subsidies for heat pumps using “natural” refrigerants.
It points to incentives implemented in Germany, where homeowners are eligible for an additional 5% grant if they choose a “natural” refrigerant heat pump.
The group also suggests that member states should also signal their intent by announcing a date beyond which they will only fund the installation of natural refrigerant heat pumps.
“Ensuing additional funding to support uptake of best-in-class natural refrigerant heat pumps not only brings climate benefits but supports consumers through lower energy bills,” said EIA climate campaigner Adam Aucock.
The letter and accompanying report can be found on the EIA website.
