HFCs: Their Value and Importance
A Report from the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy

HFCs Conserve Energy and Reduce Global Warming         The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer assessment panel (TEAP, 1999) reported that HFCs are critical to the safe and cost-effective phase-out of CFCs and HCFCs. They are essential substitutes for these compounds.         HFCs are used in air conditioning and refrigeration systems throughout the world. HFC systems conserve energy, and therefore reduce global warming gas emissions at electric power facilities. This is more significant when they replace older, less-energy-efficient systems.         Most HFC uses conform to responsible-use principles. These range from HFC recovery and reuse at end-of-life to design of production facilities, with a goal of zero HFC emissions.

HFCs Evolved As Alternatives to Ozone-Depleting CFCs         HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) are chemicals used in comfort air conditioning and refrigeration applications. They are non-flammable, recyclable, highly-effective, energy-efficient refrigerants. They exhibit low toxicity and are being safely used worldwide.         HFC systems save lives during extreme temperatures, provide increased productivity in offices, and keep food and medicines fresh. HFCs improve the quality of life for people worldwide. Carbon Dioxide Emissions Significantly Exceed Global HFC Output         Fossil fuels are burned to produce electricity for vital social needs. The carbon dioxide produced -- over 16 billion tons annually -- is produced from coal, natural gas, and oil. In comparison, total HFC production globally is less than 0.001% of this volume.         It is estimated that HFCs will contribute less than 3% of greenhouse-gas emissions by 2050. Offsetting those emissions is the reduced energy consumption of efficient HFC equipment, which avoids carbon dioxide emissions.         Hermetic unitary systems used in residential and light commercial air conditioning are especially designed to minimize HFC emissions.         Responsible HFC use also includes recovery and reuse, further limiting emissions.

 
HFCs: Long-term Solutions to Global Climate Change

HFCs offer solutions to global-warming, energy-efficiency, and energy-cost concerns. Extensive equipment modifications are not generally required.         Over the past decade, technology advances using CFC alternatives have reduced greenhouse-gas emissions impact by 80%.

The world-renowned research firm, Arthur D. Little, Inc., stated that HFCs are emerging as the preferred replacements for CFCs and HCFCs (August 23, 1999). Their desirable characteristics include reduced energy consumption, low toxicity, and, in most cases, non-flammability.

HFCs are energy-efficient, recyclable, low-toxicity, cost-effective, and safe. They meet important environmental and societal needs, including metered-dose inhalers, air conditioning, refrigeration, foam insulation, electronic-component manufacture, technical aerosols, and fire extinguishants.

 

HFCs Help Reduce Greenhouse-Gas Emissions         Substituting HFCs for CFCs has actually reduced the global climate change impact. In fact, current technology has reduced greenhouse-gas discharges by more than 80% since 1990.         Projects show that HFCs will represent less than 2% of all greenhouse-gas emissions in 2000, and that they will be less than 3% in 2050.         HFCs are key to operating energy-efficient refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment. They are also used in production of energy-saving foam insulation. These energy-efficient applications reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from electricity production.         A household refrigerator using HFCs consumes 10% less energy than a comparable hydrocarbon unit. HFC-blown foam provides up to 15% energy savings.

Manufacture Requires Complex Processes and Sophisticated Technology         The manufacture of HFCs requires longer, more complex processes and more-sophisticated technology than used for CFCs.         Stringent manufacturing purity standards are necessary for refrigerants and for drug propellants used to treat asthma. Modern HFC plants have sealed and/or closed-loop systems for internal transfers and for loading and delivery of bulk supplies to customers.         HFC process leaks are generally limited to about 0.1% of total production, with negligible environmental impact.

 

Partnerships Seek New Ways to Manage HFC Emissions         Country-specific HFC-emissions management is occurring through mandatory recovery programs and non-regulatory, voluntary measures, and through government-industry partnerships.         Government and industry are jointly engaging in research, communications, and other activities to find new technologies, designs, and processes to manage HFC emissions. Another goal is to promote and enhance product energy-efficiency.           HFCs are included among the Kyoto Protocol's six greenhouse gases. They should not be isolated for regulation or restriction; rather, the "basket of gases" should include HFC emissions as one part of a comprehensive plan. Any HFC emission-reduction plan should consider corresponding impacts on other greenhouse-gas emissions.         Unilateral restrictions on HFCs create barriers to free trade and lead consumers to select inappropriate products. Cost, safety, and performance must be properly assessed for any greenhouse-gas emission-reduction program.         Restrictions on HFCs may also slow the transition from CFCs and HCFCs, particularly in developing countries. Such opposition may hinder progress in reducing ozone depletion and climate change.

Using HFCs Saves Money         The 1999 report by Arthur D. Little, Inc. analyzed the savings resulting from HFC use. The report concluded that savings range from $15 billion to $35 billion compared to other alternatives. HFCs also contribute to the most cost-effective combination of superior environmental performance and safety.

 

Phase-out Flexibility Requires Availability of CFC Alternatives         The Montreal Protocol provided flexibility for both developed and developing countries to determine their own CFC phase-out plans. This flexibility requires availability of all existing alternatives to CFCs.         Unnecessary restrictions on alternative availability could slow phase-out for all countries. HCFCs and HFCs have been chosen in most applications because they satisfy the safety, health, performance, and cost requirements of the marketplace. This has allowed rapid progress toward ozone-layer recovery.

HFCs Provide Cost-Effective Phase-out of CFCs and HCFCs in Developing Countries         HFCs are considered important, safe, and cost-effective CFC alternatives in developing countries. The Technical and Economical Assessment Panel of the Montreal Protocol deems HFCs essential substitutes for many important uses (TEAP, 1999).         Likewise, HFCs are necessary for the phase-out of transitional HCFCs in both developing and developed countries.         Industrialized nations are making significant progress in restoring the ozone layer. This is largely based on replacing HFCs and HCFCs with CFCs.   Unfortunately, HFC regulatory controls threaten to delay the transition from ozone-depleting compounds.   Developing Countries May Produce and Import CFCs Until 2010         Developing countries are in the early stages of changing from CFCs to HFCs and HCFCs. The Montreal Protocol allows continued production and importation of CFCs until 2010. Limits on HFC use or availability may force continued CFC use. CFCs have global-warming potentials five to ten times higher than HFCs.