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Swedish contractors back “natural” transition

SWEDEN: Four of the leading Swedish installation and service companies working with heat pumps have written to Swedish MPs in support of the F-gas revision proposals.

With a vote on the latest proposals due to take place in the European Parliament this week, Caverion Sverige, Francks Kylindustri, Indoor Energy Services and Nordic Climate Group have written to the 21 Swedish MEPs backing a transition to “natural” refrigerants as set out in the ENVI proposals.  

While manufacturers’ and many contractor groups across Europe have expressed deep concerns that the proposals, which include a steeper F-gas phase down and a ban on the use of HFCs in heat pumps from as early as 2026, will impact the roll-out of heat pumps.

The letter signed by the four Swedish contractors says: “Our experience is that natural refrigerants such as ammonia, carbon dioxide and propane without major difficulty can replace the synthetic media that are strong climate drivers and or PFAS.” 

They also insist that Sweden already has the products, technical know-how and personnel to enable a transition to natural refrigerants. 

They do, however, back the ENVI proposal to include safe handling of “natural” refrigerants during installation, servicing, maintenance, repair and decommissioning in the F-gas certification process.

Related stories:

Industry offers counter F-gas proposals – 22 March 2023
EUROPE: Leading groups representing the HVAC, refrigeration and foam insulation sectors are calling on the European Parliament to take a practical approach in the upcoming vote on the F-gas revision. Read more…

Scientists back propane in heat pumps – 18 March 2023
SWEDEN: More than 40 scientists from across Europe have signed a position statement backing what they say is the proven superior efficiencies of hydrocarbon refrigerants in heat pumps. Read more…

German groups warn of refrigeration “extinction” – 9 March 2023
GERMANY: Industry groups are pleading with their members and their customers to urgently draw the attention of politicians to the “major problems” posed by the F-gas revision and PFAS proposals. Read more…

F-gas concessions fail to pacify manufacturers – 2 March 2023
EUROPE: The European Parliament’s environment committee (ENVI) has relaxed some of the equipment bans proposed in the EC’s F-gas revision but not enough to dispel industry concerns. Read more…

“Pause for thought,” says EPEE – 1 March 2023
BELGIUM: EPEE has urged the European Parliament to pause for thought before pressing ahead with the F-gas bans voted for by its environment committee. Read more…

Enviro committee backs “ambitious” F-gas revision – 1 March 2023
EUROPE: The European Parliament’s Environment Committee has today agreed to an “ambitious” revision of the F-gas regulation (517/2014) despite industry concerns that the proposals are unrealistic and jeopardise climate targets. Read more…

Euro vote a major setback for heat pumps – 1 March 2023
BELGIUM: The European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) has described today’s F-gas vote as a major setback for heat pumps in Europe. Read more…

EIA applauds positive F-gas vote – 1 March 2023
UK: Green group the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) has applauded the “urgently needed” F-gas bans voted on today by the European Parliament’s Environment Committee (ENVI). Read more…

Euro industry calls for “realistic” F-gas vote – 27 February 2023
EUROPE: Twelve leading associations and groups active in the European HVACR market have called on the European Parliament’s environment committee to reject amendments which would ban F-gases. Read more…

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