A group of nine European NGOs, led by the Environmental Investigation Agency, have written to the European Commission to urge it to prioritize the use of “natural” refrigerant heat pumps in the country’s Social Climate Plan (nSCP). The group argues that the use of heat pumps, which have a significant potential to reduce emissions, could be hindered by the use of HFC refrigerants, which could impact the EU’s 2050 net zero target. To encourage the adoption of natural refrigerant heat pumps, the group suggests providing financial bonuses and setting a deadline beyond which only natural refrigerant heat pumps will be funded. The letter and accompanying report stress that this would not only bring climate benefits but also lower energy bills for consumers. The NGOs are calling on the European Commission to ensure that member states include refrigerant gas considerations in their upcoming nSCP measures related to heat pumps.
EU urged to support widespread adoption of natural refrigerants in heat pump technology rollout
