Introduction to F-gas regulation
Navigating the F-gas phase-down with confidence
With the European Union introducing increasingly stringent regulations on fluorinated gases (F-Gases), many industries face significant operational and financial impacts. The upcoming 2025 milestone further tightens restrictions, aiming to phase out refrigerants with high Global Warming Potential (GWP).
Aggreko recognises these changes will significantly affect certain businesses, particularly in sectors such as chemical, pharmaceutical, and data centres. In anticipation of these regulatory shifts, and following a first introductive article, we've compiled an FAQ to help clarify common concerns and outline how Aggreko can support your business during this transition.
FAQ
Any question about F-gas ?
F-gas regulations are European legislative measures aimed at reducing emissions from fluorinated gases with high Global Warming Potential (GWP). They impose restrictions or phase-down on using and placing these gases on the market, prompting businesses to adopt refrigerants with lower environmental impact.
By 2030, the UK aims to reduce the availability of hydrofluorocarbons (F-gases) by approximately 79% compared to baseline levels. Restrictions on the use of higher GWP refrigerants in new equipment are enforced whenever sustainable and efficient alternatives exist.
Companies are required to undertake regular leak checks, the frequency of which depends on the system’s refrigerant charge size and GWP value.
Operators must install adequate leak detection systems, ensure rapid repairs of detected leaks, and maintain accurate records to avoid penalties.
Operators must install adequate leak detection systems, ensure rapid repairs of detected leaks, and maintain accurate records to avoid penalties.
Yes. Many existing chillers can be retrofitted to use lower-GWP refrigerants. Aggreko has already successfully retrofitted a significant portion of its own fleet and can support you in assessing and retrofitting your equipment.
Natural refrigerants like CO₂ are non-flammable, non-toxic, and have an extremely low GWP. They provide a long-term solution, helping you future-proof your cooling systems against increasingly strict regulations.
Switching to low-GWP refrigerants could initially involve higher investment costs if you modify or replace your existing cooling equipment. Additionally, maintaining high-GWP refrigerants exposes you to higher taxes and significant restrictions on equipment servicing, including prohibitions on recharging equipment in the event of leaks.
However, Aggreko helps you minimise these risks and costs. By renting our compliant, modern equipment, you can avoid upfront capital expenditure (CAPEX), keep pace with evolving regulations, and upgrade your cooling solutions as needed. Our tailored rental solutions ensure you stay ahead of regulation changes, control your costs, and preserve your competitiveness without unexpected financial impacts.
Aggreko offers comprehensive support—from initial assessment, retrofit planning, and implementation, to providing contingency solutions that minimise downtime and ensure regulatory compliance with minimal disruption.
Aggreko provides rapid-response contingency planning to minimise disruption. We maintain a large fleet of compliant, ready-to-deploy equipment across Europe, ensuring immediate support when every minute counts.
What's next ?
Looking Ahead
Stay tuned for our upcoming articles and resources, including a detailed whitepaper specifically addressing the impacts and solutions for all sectors of activity. Additionally, we'll publish an updated guide on maintaining compliance in data centres, offering insights into the latest developments, regulatory impacts, and Aggreko’s innovative cooling solutions to keep your critical operations running smoothly.