Significant new F-Gas regulations are set to come into force in January next year, to reduce the release of environmentally-harmful fluorinated gases from refrigeration equipment. Ben Verity, sales director at The Jordon Group shares what this will mean for forecourt operators.
Tell us about the forthcoming EU F-Gas Regulation Phase-Down (Regulation 2024/573) regulations: The F-Gas rules tighten restrictions on fluorinated greenhouse gases (HFCs and related F-gases) to cut climate emissions. They work through both: an eventual phaseout of HFCs on the market with a quota system introduced, and product bans based on Global Warming Potential (GWP) thresholds. They apply to refrigerants in refrigeration equipment, including commercial fridges and freezers, whether self-contained or part of larger systems.
Why are they being introduced? The objective is to cut greenhouse gas emissions from high-GWP refrigerants, and to drive rapid transition to low-GWP alternatives (A2L, CO₂, HFOs).
What does it mean to forecourt operators? The critical point is to get the right advice. But there is no need to panic. The transition in 2027 affects new systems, not existing.
How will the compliant equipment be different? It depends on the solution chosen. Some solutions we would recommend such as A2L differ very little functionally from an HFC system with only minor component differences in the cabinets and system (specifically ATX rated components as the gas is ‘mildly flammable’). Hydrocarbon solutions are integral and most retailers will be familiar with the differences to remote systems. Finally, Co2 is compliant but not always the right solution for smaller forecourt stores due to working pressures and cost.
Does the compliant equipment cost more: Evidence so far suggests to me that compliant fridges cost between 5-10% so far, this includes cabinets, plant etc. We expect this to settle as new solutions are more broadly adopted.
Are there deals to be had now on non-compliant equipment which can still be purchased now? Yes, there are deals to be had as you would expect! We naturally expect existing gases (primarily R448a & R449a) to steadily increase in costs as quotas take effect in 2027. That is the key pinch point. My advice if you are refitting a new store in 2026, if it was my money, I’d invest in a future-proof, compliant solution such as A2L, Co2 or Hydrocarbons.
- Information provided by Ben Verity, sales director at The Jordon Group.
