MEPs vote to ban fluorinated gases by 2050

The text was adopted by 457 votes in favor and 92 votes against.

This law, which sets precise deadlines depending on the devices and the warming potential of the gases they contain, is part of the continent's carbon neutrality objective in 2050.

“It is essential to put an end to fluorinated gases, not only because these gases are extremely harmful to the climate, but also because we provide the industry with clarity and certainty in terms of investment”, reacted in a communicated the rapporteur of the text, the Dutchman Bas Eickhout (Greens/ALE).

“European companies are already at the forefront of developing clean alternatives to fluorinated gases, so this law will be good for the climate and the European economy,” he added.

The text completely prohibits the marketing of several categories of products containing fluorinated gases, with an accelerated timetable: consumer refrigerators will thus be targeted from 2026.

Fluorinated gases will then be banned from 2027 in certain small heat pumps and certain air conditioning systems, before complete elimination in all air conditioners and heat pumps from 2032 or 2035 depending on the technologies used.

Technical aerosols and foams will be targeted from, respectively, 2030 and 2033.

The export of affected products outside the EU will also be prohibited.

Exemptions are provided for in the event of safety requirements and a limited number of additional quotas for heat pumps may be considered if this proves necessary to achieve the EU's energy transition trajectories.

A text on reducing emissions of substances depleting the ozone layer was also voted on Tuesday by 538 votes for and 8 against.

It provides for measures to recover and recycle substances present in construction materials, in particular in insulating foams, and introduces strict exemptions for their use as raw materials, as processing agents, in laboratories and for protection against fires.