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Chemours Advocates for Extended Transition of Fluorinated Refrigerants in EU

The Chemours Company, a prominent player in the global chemistry sector, is expressing robust support for the automotive industry's request to extend the transition timeline for fluorinated gases (F-Gases) used in mobile air conditioning (MAC) systems in Europe. This call for a delay is particularly timely as it aligns with the proposed restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by the European Union.

During the regulatory consultation process, significant submissions from various industry bodies, such as the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA) and the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA), have underscored a shared need for a minimum of 13 years for transitioning light-duty electric vehicles and up to 20 years for all other vehicle types. This collective demand highlights the complexities and considerable time required to find a functional substitute for the current refrigerant, R-1234yf.

Joseph Martinko, the President of Thermal Specialized Solutions at Chemours, stated, "We support automotive stakeholders in advocating for a practical, science-based transition timeline. Ensuring the safe and efficient operation of these vehicles is our priority. The development and adoption of next-generation refrigerants must be methodically pursued, as the last transition from R-134a to R-1234yf took over 15 years. Hence, a derogation of at least 13 years accurately reflects the complexities involved in such transitions."

Currently, the automotive industry is evaluating only two non-PFAS refrigerants, propane (R-290) and CO₂ (R-744), for MAC applications. However, significant technical and safety challenges prevent either option from being a viable drop-in replacement for R-1234yf in the short term.

Propane (R-290) Challenges

Propane is highly flammable, posing both safety and regulatory hurdles, particularly in key markets like the U.S. Its deployment requires extensive system redesigns, the establishment of new safety controls, and manufacturing adjustments—steps that present substantial challenges for the industry.

Moreover, in July of this year, France faced a significant safety recall of propane-based residential heat pumps due to fire risks, emphasizing the urgency of addressing these concerns before considering widespread adoption.

CO₂ (R-744) Limitations

Similarly, CO₂ systems necessitate entirely new architectures and higher-pressure components, especially in warmer climates. This leads to increased energy consumption, potentially reduced vehicle range, and escalated production costs. These factors complicate the integration of CO₂ refrigerants into existing vehicle designs.

The automotive industry recognizes that transitioning to these alternatives won't be as simple as a mere swap. Effective deployment of new refrigerants will involve substantial changes in system architecture, safety regulations, and overall operational dynamics.

Emission Controls During Transition

During the proposed derogation period, the automotive value chain aims to implement practical measures to further decrease emissions. Recent findings from the MAC Technical Working Group suggest that electing maximum allowable leak rates, ensuring mandatory inspections, and instituting refrigerant recovery can lead to a reduction of annual emissions by as much as 60%.

Chemours remains steadfast in its commitment to collaborate across the automotive ecosystem to facilitate the development of lower-emission and higher-performance cooling solutions. The company is utilizing its Opteon™ refrigerant portfolio and continual investments in innovation to address the evolving needs of the automotive sector while simultaneously advancing the EU's climate objectives and ensuring consumer mobility.

Chemours, headquartered in Wilmington, Delaware, is dedicated to producing essential chemicals across various industries, including automotive. As part of its mission, Chemours is committed to creating chemistry-based innovations that effectively tackle current challenges while paving the way for a sustainable future.

In conclusion, Chemours is advocating for a timely, science-based approach to the transition of fluorinated refrigerants, showcasing its leadership in addressing both environmental and automotive industry needs. The dialogue surrounding this transition is critical to ensuring that the automotive sector can continue to operate safely and effectively long into the future.