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Ozone depleting substances and the greenhouse gases HFCs, PFCs and SF₆

4 Greenhouse gases

4.1 Imports of substances

An overall picture of the trends in imports of greenhouse gases is given in Table 4.1, based on information from importers for the years 1987, 1989, 1992, 1994-2002.

4.1.1 HFCs

HFCs were imported by ten enterprises in 2002, of which five are Danish suppliers and four are user enterprises, importing directly from other EU countries.

Total imports (minus re-exports) of all HFCs, according to the importers, increased from 676 tonnes in 2001 to 713.2 tonnes in 2002. This corresponds to an increase of approx. 5 per cent compared to 2001.

The imports of HFC-134a have fallen from 472.8 tonnes in 2001 to 401.6 tonnes in 2002. Imports of HFC-152a have increased from 11.1 tonnes in 2001 to 11.9 tonnes in 2002. Imports of HFC-404a have increased from 126.3 tonnes in 2001 to 188.7 tonnes in 2002. The increase in the consumption of HFC-404a is due to consumption by commercial refrigerators. Imports of HFC-407c increased from 40.3 tonnes in 2001 to 89.1 tonnes in 2002. HFC-407c is a substitute refrigerant for HCFC-22 in eg. stationary A/C systems.

Imports of other HFCs (HFC-408a, HFC-409a, HFC-410a) measured 7.5 tonnes in 2002 compared with 11.4 tonnes in 2001. In 2001, HFC-365, 227 and 23 were also imported and used, but no imports were registered for these substances in 2002. Imports of HFC-507a have increased to 14.4 tonnes in 2002. In 2001, imports totalled 2.2 tonnes.

In 2002, there were no registered imports of HFC-401a and HFC-402a. The consumption of these substances was relatively small in 2001.

4.1.2 Sulphur hexafluoride

In 2002, three importers reported imports and sales of a total of 1.4 tonnes sulphur hexafluoride. In 2002, sulphur hexafluoride was used exclusively in power switches in high-voltage plants. Use of SF₆ in the metal industry was phased out in 2000 and in the glass industry in 2001.

4.1.3 Perfluorinated hydrocarbons

Three importers report imports of mixture products containing perfluorinated compounds. The substance in this case is perfluoropropane, C₃F₈, for refrigerant application in commercial refrigerators. Imports of this substance amount to approx. 1.45 tonnes.

As in previous years, one producer is assumed to have had imports and sales of liquid cleaners for electronic equipment, containing approx. 0.5 tonnes of perfluoropropane.

Click here to see Table 4.1

4.2 Consumption analysed by application area

The evaluation of consumption by application area is estimated on the basis of information from importers and producers, and based on records regarding sales to the Danish Refrigeration Installers' Environmental Scheme (KMO). Table 4.2 shows consumption according to application area.

Table 4.2 Consumption of HFC analysed by application area in 2002, tonnes

1) Estimate based on the residual amount of HFC-134a, for which there is no application information available from the producers. The residual amount is used in commercial refrigerators and mobile refrigerators, based on the importers' estimated application distribution.

2) KMO statistics, 2002

There are no other known application areas for HFCs in Denmark than the ones appearing from Table 4.2.

4.2.1 Consumption of HFC as a refrigerant

The general trend in Danish consumption of HFCs for refrigerants fluctuates somewhat for the individual HFCs. In 2001, consumption of HFC-404a fell, but in 2002, it increased to the same level as in 2000. Consumption of HFC-134a used for foam and as a refrigerant for production of fridges/freezers has been falling, but the trend is rising with regard to mobile A/C systems, and total consumption of HFC-134a for refrigeration has increased.

The consumption distributed according to application area is based on information from producers and importers and on data from the KMO, which receives reports of the sales of substances from refrigerator installers and automobile garages, etc. (only when drawing off more than 1 kg).

The consumption of refrigerants relating to household fridges and freezers is calculated based on information from user enterprises.

The consumption figures for refrigerants in commercial and stationary A/C systems, and mobile A/C systems and refrigerators are estimated using data from the KMO as well as information on imports.

Table 4.3 shows the relative consumption of refrigerants according to application area.

Table 4.3 Relative consumption of refrigerants according to refrigerant application, tonnes

In 2002, there was an increase in the consumption of refrigerants for commercial refrigerators and stationary A/C systems.

4.2.2 Consumption of HFC for foam production and as a propellant

There has been a significant reduction in the general consumption of HFC-134a for foam production since 2001. This reduction is merely due to less consumption of HFC-134a for insulation foam production for fridges/freezers. The reduction is partly due to reductions in production at one HFC-based manufacturer and substitution by other foaming agents.

The consumption of HFC-134a and HFC-152a for other purposes, such as soft foam production and for use as a propellant, is approximately the same as 2001. The consumption of HFC-134a amounts to 49.8 tonnes in 2002 compared to 48 tonnes in 2001.

In 2002, there was no registered consumption of HFC-365 and HFC-227.

As was the case in previous years, there have been no reports of consumption of HFCs for chemical production, fire extinguishing equipment or any other application areas than the ones mentioned.

In 2002, the use of HFCs as propellants in aerosols for special purposes was slightly less than in 2001.

4.2.3 Consumption of SF₆

The overall consumption of SF₆ in 2002 was 1.4 tonnes. This consumption has only been used for power switches in high-voltage plants.

Table 4.4 Consumption of SF₆ analysed by application area, tonnes

4.2.4 Consumption of PFCs

Total consumption of perfluoropropane (C3F8) in 2002 amounted to approx. 1.95 tonnes. Approx. 1.45 tonnes of this was used in refrigerant products; perfluoropropane is contained in two different mixture products comprising either 9 per cent or 39 per cent (weight) of the product respectively. The remaining approx. 0.5 tonnes perfluoropropane was used in liquid cleaners for electrical and electronic components.

Other applications of PFCs have not been reported in Denmark.

4.3 Emissions of HFCs, PFCs and SF₆

This section describes actual emissions of the greenhouse gases HFCs, PFCs, and SF₆ for 2002. The calculations are based on the aforementioned reports on consumption of these substances analysed by application areas (section 4.2). In the case of the relevant product groups, adjustments have been made for imports and exports of the substances in products.

Appendix 5 shows the leakage rates employed, calculation method, tier method etc., in relation to individual substance and application area. The table in Appendix 5 provides an overview of the IPCC methods employed. It also shows the extent to which the IPCC default values and specific default values for Denmark have been used /4, 16/.

4.3.1 Actual emissions of potent greenhouse gases in 2002 and projected emissions

The GWP-weighted actual emissions of HFCs, PFCs, and SF₆ in 2002 measured approx. 715,000 tonnes CO₂ equivalents. The corresponding emissions were approx. 698,900 tonnes CO₂ equivalents in 2001, which corresponds to a total increase of approx. 16,100 tonnes CO₂ equivalents.

The total GWP contribution divided between HFCs, PFCs, and SF₆ is shown in the table below.

Table 4.5 GWP contribution from substance groups, tonnes

4.3.2 Emissions of HFCs from refrigerants

In this year's evaluation of emissions from refrigerants, the following distinctions have been made:

• Fridges and freezers for household use
• Commercial refrigerators (in industry and shops) and stationary air conditioning systems
• Mobile air conditioning systems (in cars, lorries, buses, trains etc.)
• Refrigerated vans and lorries

Actual emissions from these sources occur in connection with:

• filling with refrigerants (0.5 per cent to 2 per cent of consumption depending on the application area).
   
• continual release during the operational lifetime. An assumed average value which also accounts for release occurring as a result of accident and damage (10 per cent to 33 per cent of consumption per year depending on application area).

Release resulting from disposal does not count as emissions in Denmark since Danish legislation ensures that management and treatment of refrigerants prevents such emissions. The release is defined as the writing-off of stock (the quantity of refrigerant contained in a product).

Appendix 5 shows the specific emission factors used in the calculations.

Commercial refrigerators and stationary A/C systems

The largest source of emissions comes from stationary commercial refrigerators used in supermarkets and in industry. The most commonly used refrigerants in this product group are HFC-134a and HFC-404a.

The primary refrigerant used in A/C systems is HFC-407c, a high-temperature refrigerant and substitute product for HCFC-22.

Used to a lesser extent are the refrigerants HFC-401a, HFC-402a, HFC-408a, HFC-409a, HFC-410a and HFC-507c.

It is not necessary to correct for imports and exports of HFCs in stationary commercial refrigerators since filling takes place at the site of operation following installation.

Table 4.6 shows actual emissions evaluated for specific HFCs. Total emissions of all HFCs are given in CO₂ equivalents to take into account the different GWP values of the substances.

The calculation of the GWP contribution in the category "other HFCs" (HFC-408a, HFC-409a and HFC-410a) incorporates a worst-case assumption made on the grounds of HFC-410a (50 per cent HFC-32, 50 per cent HFC-125). The GWP value for HFC-410a is 1,725.

Table 4.6 Actual emissions and GWP contribution from commercial refrigerators 2002 and 2010, tonnes

1) The category "other HFCs" includes HFC-408a, -409a and -410a (in the emission calculation, a worst-case figure is used on the grounds of the GWP value for HFC-410a).

2) The possible future scenario takes account of the effect of the new statutory order on phasing-out of HFCs and other substances, and the effect of an implemented tax scheme. Conditions relating to the substitution of HCFC-22 systems with HFC-134a and HFC-404a systems are also taken into account.

In the projection of emissions for 2010, in which specific phase-out dates are taken into account, as established in the Statutory Order on Regulation of Certain Industrial Greenhouse Gases, it is estimated that the GWP contribution from commercial refrigerators in 2010 will be approx. 581,000 tonnes.

Projections of the consumption of HFC-404a in the emission calculations are based on conservative developments. The phasing out of HCFC-22 refrigerators is expected to lead to an increase in consumption of HFC-404a in commercial refrigerators that is significantly steeper than assumed, since HFC-404a systems and CO₂ systems are the most obvious substitution options. From 1 January 2000, it has not been permitted to build new HCFC-22 systems, and from 1 January 2002, it has not been permitted to substitute with HCFC-22 in existing refrigerators.

Fridges/freezers

Actual emissions from refrigerants in fridges and freezers are determined on the basis of consumption adjusted for imports and exports of HFCs. The calculation assumes that the refrigerant is removed and treated upon disposal so that no emission occurs (see Appendix 5).

When adjusting for imports and exports, figures estimating the previous imports/exports in Environmental Project no. 523 were used /2/. In this case, exports are assumed to comprise 50 per cent of consumption. The calculation is made on the basis of Statistics Denmark's foreign trade statistics /3/ of average figures for the amount of HFC-134a in a standard fridge/freezer manufactured in 1999. The statistical background data for this is given in Appendix 2. This survey has not assessed whether the figures are up-to-date.

In addition, the effect of taxes on the reduction in consumption is taken into account in the projection of consumption of HFC-134a in fridges (cf. Appendix 5). These taxes will lead to a gradual reduction in consumption up to total phase-out on 1 January 2006. This is assumed not to be the case for HFC-404a-based household fridges/freezers since these are special products.

Table 4.7 shows actual emissions from fridges/freezers in 2002 and 2010.

Table 4.7 Emissions of refrigerants from fridges/freezers 2002 and 2010, tonnes

Total emissions of HFC refrigerants from fridges/freezers in 2002 measured 14,250 tonnes CO₂ equivalents. In the projections of actual emissions, a small increase is expected to approx. 19,000 tonnes CO₂ equivalents in 2010.

Mobile A/C

Emissions from mobile A/C systems are released during filling and from continual loss of HFC-134a, and are also due to accident and damage.

The calculation has been adjusted for imports and exports of HFC-134a, which is the only HFC imported in A/C systems in cars and lorries. In Denmark, the consumption of HFC-134a for mobile A/C systems is only used for refilling. Initial filling is carried out by car manufacturers.

The assumptions used in the calculation of consumption and stock in mobile A/C systems appear from the table below. The assumptions have been adjusted according to individual statistical categories for types of transport and they represent estimated values based on information from car importers and refrigerator service enterprises.

Table 4.8 Assumptions used in the calculation of stock in mobile A/C systems, 2002

The Danish Automobile Dealers Association (DAF) publishes annual statistics of the number of vehicles in Denmark /17/. These data form the basis for evaluating the HFC-134a stock in vehicles in Denmark below. Calculations are also provided for the percentage of installed A/C systems that are currently undergoing servicing and are thus being refilled with refrigerants upon leakage and other repairs. This forms the basis for determining the amount of refilling of HFC-134a in vehicles in Denmark in 2002. Amount of refilling = Danish consumption.

The results are shown in the table below.

Table 4.9 Calculation of Danish stock in mobile A/C systems in 2002 grouped by vehicle type, tonnes

The total stock of HFC-134a in mobile A/C systems in Denmark has been calculated as approx. 207.5 tonnes in 2002. Stock is expected to increase further in coming years since there is a continuing trend of more vehicles and new vehicles having A/C systems. The filled volume of HFC-134a in mobile air conditioning systems in 2002 was calculated at 31.9 tonnes which is 1 tonne more than in 2001. This volume of refrigerants alone accounts for usage in refilling during maintenance of existing systems /16/.

The table below shows a projection of calculated actual emissions from mobile A/C systems in Denmark. The table has been prepared on the basis of a steady-state assumption where imports and consumption for refilling in 2010 are assumed to be the same as in 2002. This assumption is very conservative as all signs indicate continued increases in vehicles with A/C systems.

Table 4.10 Calculated actual emissions of HFC-134a from mobile A/C systems in 2002 and 2010, tonnes

Refrigerated vans and lorries

Actual emissions related to refrigerated vans and lorries have not previously been evaluated as an individual application area, but have been included in a total category called "mobile refrigerators and A/C systems" in previous years. This year, data from the KMO has made it possible to evaluate the area individually, but it has not been possible to evaluate refrigerated vans and lorries individually for previous years. The emission factors are listed in Appendix 5.

There are an estimated 5,500-6,000 refrigerated vans and lorries in Denmark /16/. These systems require an average filling of approx. 8 kg, equivalent to 44-49 tonnes refrigerants altogether, either HFC-134a, HFC-404a or HCFC-22.

Actual emissions from refrigerated vans and lorries in 2002 are stated in the table below.

Table 4.11 Calculated and actual emissions of HFC-134a and HFC-404a from refrigerated vans and lorries in 2002 and 2010, tonnes

In addition, there are emissions from HFC-402a from stock of approx. 0.6 tonnes, corresponding to 1,000 tonnes CO₂ equivalents. There was no registered consumption of HFC-402a for refrigerated vans and lorries in 2002. It is assumed that the substance has been phased out, which is why actual emissions in 2010 are only approx. 100 tonnes CO₂ equivalents.

Total actual emissions from refrigerated vans and lorries were thus just below 18,500 tonnes CO₂ equivalents in 2002.

4.3.3 Emissions of HFCs from foam plastic products and propellants

The calculation of the emissions of HFCs used in foam plastic products includes two calculation principles, depending on the type of product:

1) Hard PUR foam plastics (closed cell)

2) Soft PUR foam plastics (open cell)

3) Polyether foam (closed cell)

The following basis of calculation has been used in the emission calculation for foam plastic products.

Table 4.12 Factors in the calculation of emissions from foam plastic products

Insulation foam

Hard foam plastics produced with HFC-134a are mainly used in insulating foam in fridges/freezers. The emission calculations for insulating foam in fridges/freezers are adjusted for imports and exports of fridges/freezers. The calculations are carried out on the basis of 1998 figures for the average quantity contained in fridges/freezers etc. for household use. Based on manufacturer information, the average content has been estimated at 240 g per product, and in 1998 there were net exports of two tonnes HFC-134a (see Appendix 2).

Usage of HFC-134a in insulating foam in industrial and commercial refrigerators is very limited.

Actual emissions of HFC-134a from insulating foam are summarised in Table 4.13

Table 4.13 Emissions of HFCs from insulating foam, tonnes

In the projections for 2010, it is estimated that the stock will be reduced as a result of the phase-out of HFC-134a in foam production by 1 January 2006 in compliance with the Statutory Order regulating certain industrial greenhouse gases.

Polyether foam production

There is only one Danish producer of polyether foam, and again this year, the enterprise concerned in this specialist area of production did not wish to provide any information on its consumption. Therefore, the enterprise's consumption of HFC-134a in 1999 is taken as their polyether-based shoe production in 2002. The consumption in 1999 was reported as approx. 5 tonnes and actual emissions are estimated at 2,0 tonnes, equivalent to 2,600 tonnes CO₂ equivalents. The calculation makes the assumption that no emissions are released upon disposal since the gases are destroyed during incineration.

Calculations from 1998 are used for import adjustments. In the calculation, it is estimated that 5 per cent of all shoes with plastic, rubber, or leather soles contain polyether. In 1998 approx. 12.8 million pairs of shoes were imported (Statistics Denmark, Foreign Trade) and it is estimated that a single pair of shoes contains an average of 8 g HFC-134a. Based on these figures, exports are estimated to be 0.3 tonnes HFC-134a.

Joint filler/soft foam/aerosol sprays

Emissions of soft foam (open cell foam) account for 100 per cent of the consumption in the year of application /4/. Emissions from soft foam occur during production and it is thus not necessary to adjust for imports/exports.

Joint filler based on HFCs as propellants/foaming agents is no longer produced or imported into Denmark.

Emissions of HFC in the production of soft foam are identical to the consumption in Denmark and emissions of HFC as a propellant used in aerosol sprays are equal to the consumption of HFC-based aerosol sprays in Denmark after adjusting for imports and exports. Total emissions from these two areas are 44.9 tonnes HFC-134a, corresponding to 58,400 tonnes CO₂ equivalents, and 11.9 tonnes HFC-152a, corresponding to 1,700 tonnes CO₂ equivalents, which is a small increase compared with 2001.

Medical supplies

Due to marginal emissions, HFC emissions from medical supplies have not been evaluated.

4.3.4 Emissions of sulphur hexafluoride

Total emissions of SF₆ in 2002 have been determined at approx. 0.9 tonnes, equivalent to a GWP contribution of approx. 21,600 tonnes CO₂ equivalents. Net consumption was 1.4 tonnes.

Emissions derive from three sources, of which power switches and double glazing are the main sources.

Double glazing

Emission calculations for SF₆ from double glazing have been evaluated using information from producers and industry experts. The emission factors below are employed in the calculation. Emissions of SF₆ in the lifecycle of double glazing consists of three phases:

• Production, 15 per cent resulting from filling.
   
• Gradual release following installation, 1 per cent per year.
   
• Emissions during disposal of windows, equivalent to the remaining quantity of SF₆. Based on an average expected lifetime of 20 years this gives emissions of 66 per cent during disposal. The calculation assumes that the gas is not drawn off from the windows prior to disposal.

The calculation of imports and exports of double glazing filled with SF₆ takes into account estimated net exports of 50 per cent.

Table 4.14 Emissions of SF₆ from double glazing, tonnes

Emissions will rise due to the start of disposal/substitution of windows with SF₆ double glazing and in 2015 it is estimated that the GWP contribution from double glazing will be 94,500 tonnes CO₂ equivalents.

Metal works

Metal works in Denmark no longer use sulphur hexafluoride in magnesium smelting.

Power switches in high-voltage plants

Power switches are filled or refilled with SF₆, either during new installation of plant or during service and repair. The filling is usually carried out on new plant and a small proportion of the consumption is due to refilling /11/.

Emissions from power switches in high-voltage plant are released due to the following:

• release of 5 per cent on filling with new gas
   
• gradual release of 0.5 per cent of the stock,
   
• release of 5 per cent on drawing off and recycling of used gas.

No emissions are assumed to result from disposal since the used SF₆ is drawn off from the power switches and is either re-used internally by the power enterprise concerned or is re-used externally through means of a collection scheme. Emissions resulting from external re-use are determined on the assumption that 0.5 per cent of the annual stock is sent for external re-use.

Table 4.15 shows the calculated actual emissions from SF₆ power switches.

Table 4.15 Emissions of SF₆ from power switches in high-voltage plants 2002, 2010, and 2015, tonnes

Laboratories/trace gas

In 2002, there was no registered consumption for analysis purposes (SF₆ may be used as a trace gas).

Training footwear

Information provided by importers shows that the quantity of SF₆ contained in imported training footwear totals approx. 1 tonne, imported during the period 1990-1998. Emissions of SF₆ occur as a result of the disposal of the shoes. Emissions from training footwear in 2002 are estimated at 0.11 tonnes as in previous years, which is equivalent to a GWP contribution of approx. 2,650 tonnes CO₂ equivalents. The consumption of SF₆ for use in training footwear will end in 2003.

4.3.5 Emissions of perfluorinated hydrocarbons

Actual emissions of perfluoropropane were calculated at 22,000 tonnes CO₂ equivalents in 2002 and total consumption measured approx. 3.7 tonnes. Perfluoropropane is the only known perfluorinated hydrocarbon used in Denmark. Emissions are released from refrigerants in commercial stationary and mobile refrigerators and from cleaning liquids for electronic equipment.

Consumption of perfluoropropane in refrigerants for commercial refrigerators in 2002 was approx. 1.9 tonnes and the stock in commercial refrigerators was evaluated at approx. 25.1 tonnes. Emissions in 2002 were determined as approx. 2.7 tonnes, equivalent to a GWP contribution of 22,700 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents. Since mixture products containing PFC are used in stationary refrigerators, adjustments have not been made for imports and exports of the substance in products.

Table 4.16 Emissions of PFCs from commercial refrigerators in 2002, 2010 and 2015, tonnes

Consumption of perfluoropropane in liquid cleaners for electronic equipment has also been reported as 0.5 tonnes in 2000, and actual emissions amounted to 3,600 tonnes CO₂ equivalents. After this, the use of PFC-containing liquid cleaners is expected to be phased out in Denmark.

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Version 1.0 February 2004, © Danish Environmental Protection Agency