Brussels, 11 June 2026 – How can Europe reduce emissions from refrigerants without creating unnecessary costs for people, businesses and essential technologies?

This is the question at the heart of the new Executive Report published by the European Partnership for Energy and the Environment (EPEE), based on an independent socio-economic assessment conducted by Environmental Resources Management (ERM).
Refrigerants are used in many technologies we rely on every day: fridges, air-conditioning systems, heat pumps, and cooling solutions which help preserve food and medicines, support industrial processes and keep data centres running.
The report looks at three possible ways to reduce PFAS emissions from F-gas refrigerants, comparing their environmental benefits, economic costs and technical feasibility.
Its conclusion is clear: the most cost-effective option is not to impose stricter restrictions at any cost, but to build on the existing EU F-gas Regulation, while doing more to reduce leaks and keep refrigerants in use for longer through recovery, recycling and reclamation.
According to the assessment, this approach would cut PFAS emissions by 39% and limit the economic impact to €4.6 billion between 2030 and 2050. More restrictive options would cost over €35 billion, while delivering lower or comparable environmental benefits.
“Europe does not have to choose between reducing emissions and protecting its economy,” said Russell Patten, Director General of EPEE. “This study shows that our industry can manage and reduce refrigerant emissions, delivering on environmental goals while safeguarding jobs, competitiveness and essential heating and cooling technologies.”
The Executive Report also highlights that there is currently no universal alternative refrigerant suitable for all refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump applications. In many cases, alternatives are constrained by safety, flammability, toxicity, pressure and performance requirements.
EPEE underlines that heating, cooling and refrigeration technologies are essential for heat pump deployment, cold chains, industrial processes, district heating and cooling, and data centre cooling. The final regulatory framework should therefore reduce emissions while remaining technically feasible, proportionate and coherent with the EU F-gas Regulation.

For more information, please contact: Agnese Longo; Communication Advisor; a.longo@epeeglobal.org