New EU-wide fluorinated greenhouse gas regulation passed

Summary:

The European Union's new F-Gas Regulation has been approved by the European Council, with a significant reduction in the availability of highly climate-damaging fluorinated greenhouse gases (HFKW) in the EU. The regulation aims to reduce HFKW emissions by almost 70% by 2030 and eliminate them entirely by 2050. The new rules will also prohibit the use of certain F-gases in new products, such as refrigerators, air conditioning units, and heat pumps, and will gradually phase out the use of certain F-gases in other applications, such as electrical switchgear. The regulation is expected to create a strong incentive for the development and use of climate-friendly alternatives and to support the EU's efforts to achieve climate neutrality by 2050.