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Ozone-depleting substances and the greenhouse gases HFCs, PFCs and SF

4 Greenhouse gases

• 4.1 Import of substances
  • 4.1.1 HFCs
  • 4.1.2 Sulphur hexafluoride
  • 4.1.3 Per fluorinated hydrocarbons
• 4.2 Consumption by sectors
  • 4.2.1 Consumption of HFC refrigerant
  • 4.2.2 Consumption of HFC as foam blowing agent and as propellant
  • 4.2.3 Consumption of SF6
  • 4.2.4 Consumption of PFCs
• 4.3 Emissions of F-gases: HFCs, PFCs and SF6
  • 4.3.1 Actual emissions of F-gases
  • 4.3.2 Emissions of HFCs from refrigerants
  • 4.3.3 Emissions of HFCs from foam plastic products and propellants
  • 4.3.4 Emissions of sulphur hexafluoride
  • 4.3.5 Emissions of per fluorinated hydrocarbons

4.1 Import 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, 1994-2005.

4.1.1 HFCs

HFCs were imported by ten enterprises in 2005. Five of these end-users, are importing directly from other EU countries.

In 2005, the total import (minus re-export) of pure HFCs was 553.7 tonnes. When including import of R 413 and R 417 HFC blends, the total netto import of pure HFC’s are 559.4 tonnes. Compared to 2004, when total consumption was around 711.5 tonnes, the import is decreased.. There are reductions for almost all HFCs. Only import of HFC-245 has increased.

The 2005 import of HFC-134a is reduced to 235.4 tonnes compared to 2004, where the import was 306.5 tonnes  Further more is 5.05 tonnes HFC 134a imported in the blend refrigerant R413 blend (88% HFC-134a) and R417 blend (50% HFC-134a). The total reduction is coursed by lower consumption of producers of household refrigerators and commercial refrigeration system. Thus there has been a slight increase of the consumption of HFC-134a in aerosol spray and mobile A/C.

Imports of HFC-404a decreased from 252.6 tonnes in 2004 to 162.4 tonnes in 2005. This consumption indicate a step-back closer to the average level for the last decade and it is therefore assumed that the 2004 consumption of HFC-404 was extraordinary high and do not reflect a future trend, but reflect the difference in import over years. This is confirmed by comparisation of import with consumption data from KMO, where the consumption of HFC-404a has increased in 2005.

Imports of HFC-407c were reduced from 101.3 tonnes in 2004 to 61.6 tonnes in 2005. HFC-407c is a substitute refrigerant for HCFC-22 in refrigerators. Similar to HFC-404a, the 2004 consumption of HFC-407c was extraordinary high and seems not to reflect a future trend, but the difference in import over years. A comparison with consumption data from KMO shows a slight increase of the consumption of HFC-407c in 2005.

Imports of HFC-507a have been reduced to 5.4 tonnes in 2005. In 2004, imports were 10.6 tonnes.

The import of HFC-410a was 3.1 tonnes and the import of other HFC’s and refrigerants containing HFC’s (R413a, R417a) were netto 6.3 tonnes blend products where HFC’s is part of the contents.

The import of HFC-152a used for foam blowing was 5.5 tonnes in 2005

There were no imports of HFC-401a and HFC-402a in 2005.

4.1.2 Sulphur hexafluoride

Four importers reported having imported and sold 3.58 tonnes of sulphur hexafluoride in 2005. Sulphur hexafluoride was used in power switches and in production of micro chips.

Use of SF₆ in other areas, are phased out. .

4.1.3 Per fluorinated hydrocarbons

There has been a minor import of per fluoro compound C₃F_8,, of 0.45 tonnes. The amount was contained in the blend refrigerant R413 used in commercial refrigerators.

Click here to see Table 4.1

Table 4.1 Developments in imports of greenhouse gases, tonnes.

¹⁾ The category "other" includes R413a, R417a Isceon 79 and HFC-245fa, (in the emission calculation the emission factor for HFC-410a is used).

4.2 Consumption by sectors

The evaluation of consumption divided into sectors is estimated on the basis of information from importers and producers, and on sales reports to the Danish Refrigeration Installers' Environmental Scheme (KMO). Table 4.2 shows consumption distributed on sectors.

Table 4.2 Consumption of HFC distributed on sectors in 2005, tonnes.

There are no other known sectors using HFCs in Denmark than those appearing in Table 4.2. Compared to recent years, the table specifies the consumption further into to the sub-sectors Mobile A/C, Stationary A/C.

4.2.1 Consumption of HFC refrigerant

In recent years, the Danish consumption of HFCs as refrigerants points toward increased use of HFCs in commercial refrigeration, but in 2005 the import has decreased for the first time. It indicates, that the consumption of HFC in commercial refrigerators is stabilizing and that the 2004 import was particularly high. Data from KMO shows an increase in the consumption for 2005. Therefor it is expected, that the reason for the divergence is a time lag in the import of HFC between 2004 and 2005.

The general increase in HFC refrigerants in commercial systems is a natural consequence of the phase-out of air conditioners based on R-22 (HCFC). More over, commercial refrigeration with R-12 and R-502 were replaced by R-22 systems after 1995 when CFCs were banned in Denmark. This added to the percentage of refrigeration systems with R-22. The production of new R-22 systems was prohibited in 2000 and substitution with R-22 in existing systems was prohibited in 2002.

The use of HFC’s as refrigerant in commercial refrigeration and A/C systems is covering approx. 75 per cent of the total consumption in 2005. The most commonly used refrigerant in commercial refrigeration is still HFC-404a and HFC-134a. Approx. 18 per cent of the HFC consumption is used in foam blowing and for other purposes than refrigeration in 2005.

The consumption of HFC-134a as a refrigerant in fridges/freezers was again reduced in 2005 with approx. 20 tonnes.. The decrease is not considered as an indication of a general reduction in the production in the Danish refrigeration sector but an indication of that the sector has substituted to other alternatives.

The consumption of refrigerants in vans and lorries has increased in smaller scale and the consumption of refrigerants for mobile A/C systems have again increased this year.

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

The consumption of refrigerants for household fridges and freezers is calculated on the basis of information from enterprise end-users.

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

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

Table 4.3 Consumption of refrigerants, divided on refrigeration units, 2005, tonnes.

4.2.2 Consumption of HFC as foam blowing agent and as propellant

In 2005, the consumption of HFC’s  in system foam has increased further but the consumption of HFC’s used for foam blowing is reduced to approx. half the 2004 consumption.

It is considered that the general trend in the recent years is reduction of the HFC consumption as a blowing agent and this is the direct consequence of a statutory order on phase-out of potent industrial greenhouse gases, as well as the fact that there are competitive alternative technologies available on the market.

In 2005, the uses of HFCs as propellants in aerosols for specific purposes were about 15 tonnes. This estimate is based on DEPA’s grant of exemptions and the consumption seems to be stable tending to an increase even though the statutatory order on phase out is in force..

As in previous years, there have been no reports of consumption of HFCs for chemical production, fire extinguishing equipment, or other application areas apart from those mentioned.

4.2.3 Consumption of SF₆

The overall consumption of SF₆ in 2005 was app. 3.58 tonnes. Consumption of SF₆ was used only for power switches in high-voltage power systems.

Table 4.4 Consumption of SF₆ by application area, tonnes

4.2.4 Consumption of PFCs

The consumption of PFC’s (per fluoropropane) in 2005 was 0.45 tonnes. The amount is contained in the blend refrigerant Isceon 49. Total consumption of PFC’s for refrigeration purposes amounted to about 0.3 tonnes in 2004.

4.3 Emissions of F-gases: HFCs, PFCs and SF₆

This section reports the actual emissions of the greenhouse gases HFCs, PFCs, and SF₆ for 2005. The calculation is based on the reports on consumption of these substances analysed by application areas (section 4.2). For relevant product groups, adjustments have been made for imports and exports of the substances in products.

Appendix 5 shows the emission factors, calculation method and assumptions, IPPC Tier method etc., in relation to calculation of emissions from individual substance and application areas /4, 16/.

4.3.1 Actual emissions of F-gases

The GWP-weighted actual emissions of HFCs, PFCs, and SF₆ in 2005 is calculated to 839,5 thousand tonnes CO₂ equivalents. The corresponding emissions were approx. 796,8 thousand tonnes CO₂ equivalents in 2004, which corresponds to a calculated total increase of approx. 42,7 thousand tonnes CO₂ equivalents.

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

Table 4.5 GWP contribution by substance group, tonnes

The HFC emission from HFC-404a and HFC-407c in commercial refrigerators were again significantly higher in 2005 as compared to 2004, partly because of increased emission from stock and partly because of a relatively large consumption. Furthermore the emissions of from both household- and commercial HCF-134a refrigerators have increased

4.3.2 Emissions of HFCs from refrigerants

As required in the IPCC guidance for calculation of emission of f-gases a distinction is made between:

• Fridges and freezers for household use and retailers etc.
• Commercial refrigeration (in industry and retail) 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 of refrigerants (0.5 per cent to 2 per cent of consumption depending on 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 prevent such emissions. The release is defined in order to write down stock (the quantity of refrigerants contained in a product).

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

Commercial refrigeration and stationary A/C systems

Commercial refrigeration, used e.g. in retail, supermarket, restaurants etc or in industry, and stationary A/C systems, also used by retailers and industry, as well in offices, constitute the largest source of emissions. The most commonly used refrigerants in this product group are HFC-404a, HFC-407c, and HFC-134a.

In addition, use of the refrigerants HFC-408a, HFC-409a, HFC-410a, and HFC-507c is less common, and HFC-401a and HFC-402a are phased out.

It is not relevant to adjust for imports and exports of HFCs in stationary commercial refrigeration and A/C systems since filling of refrigerants only will take place at site of the installed unit.

Table 4.6 shows actual emissions of specific HFCs. Total emissions of all HFCs have been converted to CO₂ equivalents in order to take into account the different GWP values of the substances.

Table 4.6 Actual emissions and GWP contribution from commercial refrigeration 2005 and 2010, tonnes

1) The projected future scenario takes into account the effect of a new statutory order on phasing-out HFCs etc. and the effect of the taxes implemented. Furthermore, assumptions about the substitution of HCFC-22 systems by HFC-134a and HFC-404a are included in the calculations.

2) The category "Other HFCs" includes HFC-408a, -409a and -410a (the calculation of emissions is based on a worst-case scenario on the basis of the GWP value of HFC-410a).

Refrigerators/freezers

Actual emissions from refrigerants in refrigerators 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, the estimates of imports/exports in Environmental Project no. 523 are used /2/. In this case, exports are assumed to comprise 50 per cent of the consumption pr. year. The calculation is made on the basis of Statistics Denmark's foreign trade statistics /3/ of average figures of the amount of HFC-134a in a standard fridge/freezer manufactured in 1999. The statistical background data for this is given in Appendix 2.

In addition, the effect of taxes on the reduction in consumption is taken into account in the future scenario of consumption of HFC-134a in fridges. These taxes are assumed to lead to a gradual reduction in consumption. This is assumed not to be the case for HFC-404a-based household refrigerators/freezers since these are special products.

Table 4.7 shows actual emissions from refrigerators/freezers in 2005 and 2010.

Table 4.7 Emissions of refrigerants from refrigerators/freezers 2005 and 2010, tonnes

Total emissions of HFC-134a and HFC-404a refrigerants from refrigerators/freezers in 2005 were approx. 14 900 tonnes CO₂ equivalents. In the future scenario of actual emissions, a slight increase in the emission is expected. The total in 2010 is estimated to 16.700 tonnes CO₂ equivalents.

Mobile A/C

Emissions from mobile A/C systems are mainly due to leakage and accident damage

The calculation has been adjusted for imports and re-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 used solely for refilling. Initial filling is carried out by car manufacturers in the country of production.

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 /16/.

Table 4.8 Assumptions used in the calculation of stock in mobile A/C systems, 2005

D.A.F. (The Danish Automobile Dealers Association) publishes annual statistics of the number of vehicles in Denmark /17/. These data form the basis for the calculation below of HFC-134a stock in Danish vehicles. Calculations also include a calculation of the proportion of A/C systems installed in vehicles, which are still undergoing servicing, and which are therefore still being refilled with refrigerants in connection with leakage and other repairs. This calculation forms the basis for determining the amount of HFC-134a refrigerants refilled in vehicles in Denmark in 2005. Refilled stock = Danish consumption.

The results are shown in the table below.

Table 4.9 Determination of Danish stock in mobile A/C systems in 2005, tonnes

The total stock of HFC-134a in mobile A/C systems in Denmark in 2005 was calculated to be about 217 tonnes, which are a further increase compared to 2004 stock.. In 2005, the volume of HFC-134a filled onto mobile air conditioning systems was 33,3 tonnes. This volume of refrigerants was used solely for refilling in connection with the maintenance of existing systems /16/. It is indicated from suppliers of mobile A/C refrigerants, that the consumption is even higher than this estimated. One supplier expect the consumption to be approx. 40 tonnes of HFC-134a per. year.

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 almost the same as in 2005.

Table 4.10 The calculated actual emissions of HFC-134a from mobile A/C systems in 2005 and 2010, tonnes

Refrigerated vans and lorries

There are an estimated 5 500-6 000 refrigerated vans and lorries in Denmark /16/. These require an average filling of about 8 kg, equivalent to 46-49 tonnes refrigerants, either HFC-134a, HFC-404a or HCFC-22.

Actual emissions from refrigerated vans and lorries in 2005 are stated in the table below.

Table 4.11 The calculated actual emissions of HFC-134a and HFC-404a from refrigerated vans and lorries in 2005 and 2010, tonnes.

There was no consumption of HFC-402a for refrigerated vans and lorries since the substance has now been phased out. But the emission from stock is about 0.3 tonnes from HFC-402a, corresponding to 500 tonnes CO₂ equivalents.

Thus, the total actual emissions from refrigerated vans and lorries were app. 20 900 tonnes CO₂ equivalents in 2005.

4.3.3 Emissions of HFCs from foam plastic products and propellants

Two calculation principles have been applied in the calculation of emissions of HFCs used in foam plastic products, 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 emissions calculation for foam plastic products.

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

Insulation foam

Hard foam plastic produced with HFC-134a is used primarily in insulating foam for refrigerators/freezers. Calculations of emissions from insulating foam in refrigerators/freezers have been adjusted for imports and exports of fridges/freezers.

Consumption of HFC-134a for foaming of insulation foam used in fridges/freezers was phased out in 2003. Actual emissions are therefore solely from stock and there are no longer any exports.

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 as blowing agent. Previous projections estimated a phase-out by 2006. However, it is a fact that this blowing agent had already been phased out in Denmark and the latest consumption from the sector was reported in 2003.

Foam blowing of Polyether based shoe soles

The consumption of HFC-134a used in polyether-based foam blowing in DK production of shoe soles is expected out-phased in 2005.

Statistical calculations from 1998 are used as the 2005 import estimate. The import of HFC-134a is 5,1 tonnes. In the calculation, it is estimated that 5 per cent of all shoes with plastic, rubber, or leather soles contain polyether foam blowed with HFC-134a . In 1998 about 12.8 million pairs of shoes were imported (Statistics Denmark's foreign trade statistics) and it is estimated that a single pair of shoes contains an average of 8g HFC-134a.

Soft foam/aerosol sprays.

Emissions from 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 therefore not relevant to adjust for imports/exports.

The emission of HFC in the production of soft foam is identical to the consumption in Denmark, and the emission of HFC as a propellant in aerosol sprays is also equal to the consumption of HFC-based aerosol sprays in Denmark, after calculation of imports and exports. Total emissions from these two areas amount to 26.9 tonnes of HFC-134a, corresponding to 29 100 tonnes CO₂ equivalents. Compared with 2004, emissions have been decreased by approx.18 000 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents. The reason is a major reduction in use of HFC-134a in soft foam blowing. The emission from aerosols has increased with approx. 5 100 tonnes of CO₂ equivalents.

Medical products

The emissions from medical products are marginal and have not been calculated.

4.3.4 Emissions of sulphur hexafluoride

The total emissions of SF₆ in 2005 have been calculated to 0.9 tonnes, equivalent to a GWP contribution of about 21,750 tonnes CO₂ equivalents. Net consumption was 3.6 tonnes.

Emissions derive from two sources - power switches and double-glazed windows.

Double-glazed windows

Use of SF₆ in double-glazed windows was phased out in 2002, however, there are still emissions from existing double-glazed windows in Danish buildings.

Table 4.14 Emissions of SF₆ from double-glazed windows, tonnes

Emissions will rise due to the disposal of existing double-glazed windows containing SF₆ and the estimated 2015 GWP contribution from double-glazed windows is still app. 95 000 tonnes CO₂ equivalents.

Power switches in high-voltage plants

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

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

• release of 5 per cent on filling with new gas (average figure covering normal operation and failure/accidents)
• gradual release of 0.5 per cent from the stock (average figure covering normal operation and failure/accidents)
• release of 5 per cent from drawing off and recycling used gas (average figure covering normal operation and failure/accidents)

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 company concerned, or 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 2005, 2010, and 2015, tonnes.

At the request of the Danish Energy Authority, Eltra and Elkraft System have carried out a survey of SF₆ emissions during operation and following from accidents in 2003 /20/. This survey covers about 1/9 of the stock in the Danish electricity sector. Emissions have been calculated at about 20 kg of SF₆. Additionally, there are 88 kg of contaminated SF₆ in depot, and about 1.1 tonnes of new gas in store.

If this data is assumed to be representative of the entire country, emissions in 2003 amount to about 180 kg. This is under half of the calculated emissions of 0.5 tonnes in this emission calculation of 2005.

On the basis of Eltra's survey, the applied evaluation method is still considered to provide a true picture of total emissions. The difference in figures is explained by the fact that the calculation method does not take account of the time delay, so that SF₆ is assumed to be both purchased and consumed within the year of calculation. The notes from Eltra state that there is about 1.1 tonnes in store, which upon later use will lead to emissions. Further, more emissions are assumed to occur from the recycling or destruction of the 88 kg of contaminated gas in depot. If these emissions were actual emissions in 2003, it would mean emissions from Eltra and Elkraft System of about 80 kg of SF₆, and about 0.7 tonnes of SF₆ respectively, providing the data is representative for national level.

Laboratory purposes

Consumption of SF6 in laboratories covers two purposes:

• Plasma erosion in connection with the manufacture of microchips in clean-room laboratories
• Analysis purposes to a limited extend.

Consumption was 0 tonnes in 2005.

Training shoes

In the period 1990 to 1998, Denmark imported training shoes, which, according to the manufacturer, contained SF₆. It is assessed that emissions of SF₆ from training shoes will not occur after 2003, while it is assumed that all shoes containing SF₆ is disposed by then.

4.3.5 Emissions of per fluorinated hydrocarbons

In 2005, the consumption of perfluorinated hydrocarbons (per fluoropropane), which are used exclusively in the refrigerant R413a, was 0.5 tonnes. The actual GWP-weighted emission is 13 900 tonnes CO₂ equivalents, which is a further reduction compared to 2004, 2003 and 2002.

Per fluoropropane is the only known per fluorinated hydrocarbon used in Denmark. Emissions are released from refrigerants in commercial stationary and mobile refrigerators. Stock in commercial refrigerators has been estimated at about 17.6 tonnes in 2005. While the refrigerants containing PFC are only used in stationary refrigerators, no estimates for imports and exports are relevant.

Table 4.16 Emissions of PFCs from commercial refrigerators in 2004, 2010 and 2015, tonnes

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Version 1.0 February 2007, © Danish Environmental Protection Agency