Steeper phase down proposed for refrigerant gases in UK

The UK government has launched a consultation on proposals to significantly accelerate the reduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), a group of potent greenhouse gases widely used in refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump systems.

Under the new plans, HFC use would be phased down by 98.6% by 2048, with new restrictions beginning in 2027. This represents a major step up from the current target, which aims for a 79% reduction by 2030. The proposals were announced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) on 5 November.

HFCs, which remain in the atmosphere for around 15 years, have a global warming potential hundreds of times greater than carbon dioxide. The government aims to align this strengthened phase-down with its broader net zero goals and international commitments under the Montreal Protocol.

Environment Minister Emma Hardy said: “Hydrofluorocarbons are among the most powerful greenhouse gases, and strengthening their phasedown is an important step towards achieving our net zero goals.”

The proposed changes are intended to support the transition to alternative refrigerants already available on the market. Many manufacturers of air conditioning and heat pump systems have developed units that operate with lower-impact gases, and the government says the revised timeline will give the industry time to scale up adoption.

Importantly, the consultation acknowledges the need to maintain sufficient HFC supply in the short term to support the growing rollout of heat pumps. Manufacturers and importers would receive early allocations to ensure continuity while transitioning to cleaner alternatives.

The consultation is open until 17 December and invites input from industry and stakeholders on the technical design and implementation of the revised phase-down. According to Defra, the proposals have been developed through ongoing engagement with the sector.

If implemented, the reforms are expected to deliver greater carbon savings than existing legislation while facilitating the shift to clean heating technologies and bolstering the UK’s Clean Energy and Net Zero Mission.