Heat pumps and refrigerants. Will f-gases be banned?

With an expert eye

Anna Pawłowska-Kawa, specialist in the field of ecological heating devices

The popularity of heat pumps has soared in Polish households, particularly in new homes. People often assume that all heat pumps are equally environmentally friendly, but this isn’t necessarily true. The ecological impact of a heat pump depends on factors like how efficiently it uses energy, where its electricity comes from, and the type of refrigerants it uses. Heat pumps powered by renewable energy sources like wind or solar are better for the environment than those using fossil fuels. Similarly, heat pumps with environmentally friendly refrigerants are preferable to those with harmful ones. So, while heat pumps are generally considered a greener choice for heating, their actual environmental impact can vary depending on these factors.

All heat pumps work by extracting energy from a heat source like water, ground, or air, and using electricity to operate a compressor. However, they also require a refrigerant to facilitate this energy transfer process. The choice of refrigerant significantly impacts the environmental friendliness of the heat pump. The Global Warming Potential (GWP) coefficient measures how much a substance contributes to the greenhouse effect, with higher GWP values indicating greater environmental harm.

Earlier this year, there were reports circulating about the European Union considering a ban on certain heat pumps due to their use of fluorinated gases. Although these reports caused concern in the industry, they were largely unfounded and had little basis in reality. Nonetheless, they did create some unrest and negatively impacted the industry.

What about these bans?

The current legislation in Poland regarding fluorinated greenhouse gases (f-gases) is governed by the Act of May 15, 2015, which prohibits the use of f-gases with a Global Warming Potential (GWP) equal to or higher than 2,500, such as R434a, R404a, or R507a. This law is set to become even stricter from 2025, reducing the allowable GWP to 750, which would lead to the elimination of widely used refrigerants like R410a.

Meanwhile, the European Union has initiated discussions to further tighten regulations on phasing out f-gases. This has caused concern among politicians, heat pump manufacturers, users, and prospective buyers. While the EU aims to reduce dependency on Russian fossil fuels and plans to install millions of heat pumps by 2026 and 2031, the proposed regulations pose significant restrictions on these devices. Despite the pressure, the EU maintains that f-gases must be phased out due to their detrimental environmental impact. Official statements highlight the alarming potential of these gases to worsen the greenhouse effect, with research indicating a significant increase in f-gas emissions between 1990 and 2014, contributing to a notable share of total emissions in EU countries.

The original plans proposed a complete ban on the use of fluorinated gases (f-gases) in heat pumps after 2026. However, many Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of such strict regulations. They argued that while these regulations would make heat pumps more environmentally friendly, they could also hinder the development of the heat pump market. This could ultimately slow down the transition away from fossil fuels, as consumers may resort to using fossil fuel boilers if heat pumps are not readily available.

Alessia Del Vasto, a policy specialist at the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA), emphasized that every heat pump replacing a fossil fuel boiler reduces carbon dioxide emissions. To ensure a smooth transition to f-gas-free refrigerants while preventing a shortage of heat pumps, the European Union must provide clear financial and political support to the sector.

On October 5, an agreement was reached on the matter, setting key dates for the heat pump industry regarding the phase-out of f-gases:

• January 1, 2032: A ban on placing on the market monoblock air conditioners and heat pumps (including ground pumps) with a rated power of up to 12 kW containing f-gases.
• January 1, 2035: A ban on placing on the market separate air conditioners and heat pumps (split type) with a rated power of up to 12 kW containing f-gases.

However, these bans are not absolute. Exceptions are provided for devices necessary to meet safety requirements at the installation site. In such cases, the use of heat pumps or air conditioners filled with f-gases is permitted, with a GWP limit of 750.

What challenges does the industry have to face?

Transitioning away from synthetic agents poses significant challenges not only for producers but also for the entire industry. Production plants need to undergo modernization to ensure the safety of personnel handling highly flammable agents. Additionally, there is a need for training programs for installers and raising consumer awareness about the shift.

According to the European Heat Pump Association (EHPA) and the Polish Association for Heat Pumps (PORT PC), the price of electricity should not exceed twice the price of natural gas per kWh. Only with such a price ratio can the operating costs of a heat pump compete with those of gas heating, making heat pumps a viable and popular option. Otherwise, the combination of high operating costs and initial investment expenses will make gas heating the preferred choice for many investors, ultimately delaying the energy transition. Governments should consider implementing lower electricity tax rates and introducing VAT reductions and tax incentives for heat pumps to facilitate their widespread adoption.

What about current heat pump users?

The European Commission has prioritized the REPowerEU initiative, ensuring that the growth of the heat pump market remains unaffected by new regulations. As part of this commitment, the phase-out of f-gases will occur gradually, with bans preceded by market research to assess their impact on the industry. While rumors have stirred concern among current heat pump users, there is no need for alarm. Restrictions will not apply to devices already installed or those already on the market. However, users of heat pumps operating on f-gases may face challenges with servicing and replenishing refrigerants due to availability issues or increased prices, rather than direct bans.

Are Polish producers ready for changes?

The sudden abandonment of synthetic refrigerants would pose significant technical and implementation challenges for heat pump manufacturers. Transitioning to alternative refrigerants in existing devices operating on f-gases involves structural changes, such as selecting a different compressor or exchanger, as well as addressing safety concerns related to increased flammability, like R290 propane. Each modified device would need to undergo a complex certification process before re-entering the market as a new, eco-friendly model. Consequently, such modifications are neither cost-effective nor quick to implement. However, companies that previously embraced heat pumps using natural working fluids, like propane, are poised to benefit from these changes, having anticipated stricter regulations on f-gases.

Moving away from f-gases is the key to independence from China

The presence of Chinese heat pumps in the European market has become significant, primarily due to their competitive pricing. However, these devices typically utilize synthetic agents. Recent events, including the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical tensions, have underscored the importance of Europe achieving greater economic independence and reducing reliance on lengthy supply chains, particularly in the energy sector. This dependence on China for heat pumps raises concerns not only about the devices themselves, which often use f-gases, but also about their quality and efficiency. Additionally, China is a major producer and exporter of fluorspar, a key raw material for synthetic agents used in heat pumps. Moreover, f-gas production predominantly occurs outside of Europe. Therefore, if Europe aims for independence from China and increased energy self-sufficiency, it may need to consider phasing out these substances in the near future.

What synthetic refrigerants are found in heat pumps?

For many years, the air conditioning and heat pump industry heavily relied on the refrigerant R32, known for its favorable technical and operational characteristics with a moderate GWP (Global Warming Potential) of 675. Some manufacturers even touted R32 as environmentally friendly, although this claim is subject to debate. Difluoromethane (CH2F2), the chemical composition of R32, falls under the slightly flammable category (A2L) according to the PN-EN 378 standard. It boasts excellent thermodynamic properties and viscosity, facilitating efficient thermal transformations with minimal flow resistance. This contributes to enhanced energy efficiency, with some devices achieving ratings as high as A+++. Additionally, R32 exhibits high homogeneity, allowing it to be utilized in both liquid and gaseous states, unlike R410A, which can only be replenished in its liquid state. Moreover, R32 offers better efficiency in terms of volume usage, requiring approximately 20% less compared to R410A. Despite these advantages, R32 remains a fluorinated agent and may not compare as favorably to natural alternatives in terms of environmental impact.

Propane R290 and carbon dioxide – the future of the heat pump industry?

The most widely used natural refrigerant is R290, also known as propane, which boasts an incredibly low GWP of only 3, making it nearly environmentally neutral. It is commonly employed in monoblock air-water heat pumps. However, utilizing R290 in heat pumps poses technical challenges due to its flammability (classified as A3). As a result, units utilizing R290 must be monoblock designs, pre-filled with propane at the factory, hermetically sealed, and rigorously tested for system tightness. They must also comply with ATEX directive guidelines related to explosion risk and adhere to pressure equipment restrictions. Consequently, installers do not need an F-gas license since they do not make any refrigerant connections on-site. Carbon dioxide, or R744, is increasingly utilized in high-temperature industrial heat pumps. With a remarkably low GWP of 1, R744 operates at extremely high pressures, posing a significant technological challenge for manufacturers. However, it offers the advantage of being non-flammable and can facilitate the preparation of heating water at temperatures up to 90°C, even in frigid external conditions as low as -20°C. Heat pumps utilizing refrigerants not subject to the ODS Act provide added comfort for users, as they eliminate the need for paid mandatory inspections outlined in regulatory provisions and registration in the Central Register of Operators.

Summary

Natural refrigerants are often referred to as “alternative” factors, but it’s becoming increasingly apparent that they are poised to transition from being merely an alternative to becoming the primary choice in the heat pump industry. However, it’s important to recognize that every heat pump, regardless of the medium it employs, represents the best ecological and environmentally friendly option among available heating devices. While the elimination of f-gases is a crucial goal, we must avoid rushing toward perfection prematurely.

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