The European Commission has decided not to revise Regulation F-Gas 2024/573, despite concerns about declining heat pump sales.
Italian MEP Isabella Tovaglieri criticized the bans on HFCs and HFOs, emphasizing that the market slowdown has led manufacturers to reduce production. Tovaglieri argued that implementing these bans should depend on a more thorough assessment of currently available technologies. According to the regulation, such an analysis is scheduled to be published by the Commission in 2030.
The MEP also called on the Commission to provide greater regulatory certainty to allow the industry to engage in long-term planning. Additionally, she suggested reconsidering the phase-out of HFOs in light of the objectives of the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive, which promotes decarbonizing the building sector.
European Commissioner for Climate Action and Sustainable Growth, Wopke Hoekstra, responded in writing, rejecting any link between the decline in heat pump sales and the new F-Gas regulation, which took effect in March 2024.
“The measures outlined are fully achievable by the established deadlines and provide a clear regulatory framework for manufacturers,” said Hoekstra. “The decline in sales can be attributed to various factors, such as falling gas prices, rather than the F-Gas regulation.”
Hoekstra reiterated that there are no valid reasons to bring forward the scheduled review of the regulation, planned for 2030. He confirmed that the timeline for the regulation would remain unchanged, underscoring the Commission's commitment to its environmental goals without altering the current schedule.
