Extension of GWP limits for refrigerants: towards greater regulatory flexibility

Longer adjustment time and new operating thresholds

In the refrigeration and air conditioning sector , the progressive reduction of refrigerants with high global warming potential (GWP) remains one of the most significant challenges for the industry.

The latest regulatory revision proposals at European level aim to introduce extensions and more flexible thresholds for certain applications, particularly in commercial and industrial refrigeration systems.

Among the new features under consideration are:

• the extension of compliance times for some categories of equipment;
• the temporary increase in GWP limits , from 150 or 300 up to 700, for installations such as cold storage, cold warehouses and large-scale storage systems;
• waivers for equipment already manufactured by certain dates, which may be installed or put into service even after the new limits come into force.

These measures stem from the need to avoid production waste and supply chain bottlenecks, ensuring the sector has the time it needs to adapt to new low-GWP technologies without interrupting plant operations.

Balance between environmental sustainability and technical realism

The extension of GWP limits represents a balance between European environmental objectives and the operational needs of companies.

On the one hand, it allows manufacturers and installers to manage conversion costs more sustainably; on the other, it opens a debate on the actual speed of the ecological transition.

A temporary increase in thresholds could slow the large-scale adoption of natural refrigerants and ultra-low GWP gases , but it provides the industry with a window of opportunity to upgrade technologies, train personnel, and adapt components and infrastructure.

The stated objective is to ensure a stable and safe transition , avoiding improvised solutions that could compromise the safety or efficiency of operating systems.

Implications for the European refrigeration market

In the context of the new F-Gas Regulation , the topic of GWP limits continues to be at the centre of discussions between institutions, associations and refrigeration operators.

The demand for greater regulatory flexibility reflects the need to harmonize innovation, sustainability, and industrial competitiveness, especially at a time when the availability of certain types of gases and components remains limited.

A balanced approach, taking into account real market conditions, can facilitate a more robust and shared transition, capable of combining reduced environmental impact, production continuity, and technological innovation.

For the refrigeration industry, this is a key step to plan investments and strategies in line with European deadlines and the sector's real potential.