§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the effect of the voluntary policy of reducing leakage of hydrofluorocarbons. [165274]
§ Mr. MorleyThe voluntary policy on reducing leakage of hydrofluorocarbons has had a positive impact in terms of raising awareness. Industry stakeholders are now much more aware of the environmental threat posed by these gases, and they are actively pursuing a strategy of emission reduction.
A recent study commissioned by Defra, (AEAT/ ED50090/R01) calculated projected hydroflurocarbon emissions for the period 2005–25. The study estimated that the voluntary leakage reduction policy could reduce emissions of fluorinated gases, including hydrofluorocarbons, by approximately 3 millions tonnes of carbon equivalent over this period.
§ Sue DoughtyTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what proposals she has to reduce leakage of hydrofluorocarbons. [165275]
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§ Mr. MorleyThe UK is currently negotiating with other European Union Member States a proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases. This Regulation is a key part of the first phase of the European Climate Change Programme. It will put in place a legislative framework to reduce emissions of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6), which are powerful greenhouse gases covered by the Kyoto Protocol.
The Regulation will introduce specific measures related to the containment, use and recovery of fluorinated gases, together with a general obligation to take all abatement measures that are technically feasible and cost-effective. In addition the Regulation will provide for restrictions on the placing on the market of some products and equipment that contain fluorinated gases, and a reporting regime for producers, importers and exporters.
§ Mr. DrewTo ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what estimate she has made of the emissions of hydrofluorocarbons in each year since 1995 from mobile and vehicle air conditioning; and what the forecasts are for future years. [165452]
§ Mr. MorleyA 2003 report commissioned by Defra indicated that emissions of hydrocarbons (MFC 134a) rose steadily from 1995–2000, from approximately 140 tonnes in 1995 to approximately 600 tonnes in 2000. This rise was due to the rapid growth of MFC-based mobile air conditioning (MAC) systems in new passenger vehicles from 10 per cent. in 1990 to 50 per cent. in 2000.
The report forecast that MFC based MAC systems would be fitted to approximately 75 per cent. of new cars by 2010, and associated emissions would continue to rise to a peak of approximately 1,270 tonnes of MFC 134a in 2010.
The proposed new EC Regulation on certain fluorinated greenhouse gases includes provisions which would lead to a phase out from 2009 of air conditioning systems with fluorinated gases with a global warming potential higher than 150.
The Government have made it clear that they welcome the overall aim of the draft Regulation to reduce emissions of the powerful greenhouse gases that it covers and the environmental benefits that will be delivered. These reductions in emissions will form part of the wider efforts being taken to combat climate change.