From www.clubantreprenor.ro:
Environmental protection is a hotly debated topic internationally, and the EU is taking action to drastically reduce its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The most common gas is carbon dioxide, but fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-Gas), although present in smaller quantities in the atmosphere, have a global warming potential several thousand times greater than CO2.
In light of recent legislative changes, the F-Gas industry is at a crucial juncture. The new regulations are not just guiding, but defining for the future of this vital industry.
Marco Buoni, former President of AREA (now responsible for International Affairs) – a group representing 24 European cooling Associations, further CEO of Centro Studi Galileo and Secretary General of the Italian Association of Refrigeration Technicians, also participated in the event. Buoni presented training and certification schemes for future refrigerants at the launch gala of the new association, bringing an essential and expert contribution to the debate on the subject. Moreover, it was thanks to the intervention and work carried out by AREA that the Real Alternatives project gained ground in Romania.
The Association of F-GAS Companies Romania, established in November 2023, aims to identify and implement environmentally sustainable solutions in this segment. By adapting to the new changes and by being actively involved in shaping them, the Association will contribute to a European legislative framework that supports innovation, sustainability and a cleaner future for all.
Opening the event, Amalia Păvălucă, President of the Association of F-GAS Companies Romania, stressed the importance of collaboration and unity in achieving common goals: “We are here to create together, to build a solid foundation for a green and sustainable future. Today, we are not just opening an association, we are defining the future of our industry together.“
Tom Van Ierland, European Commissioner, underlined the need for regulation and involvement also at European level: “What we all need to remember is that we need to have a better environment to operate equipment that releases fluorinated gases into the environment. And more than that, we need to have a clear review of the European regulations in this area. Illegal trafficking must be tackled at European level, including in Romania.“
Marco Buoni also welcomed the initiative in Romania: “We need such initiatives in Romania, because we need technicians, companies, manufacturers who work well, who follow the rules precisely, because our sector is growing. Indeed, rules are made in Brussels. But even if we are in Italy, Romania or wherever we are, we need to unite and discuss together so that the European Commission can make the right decisions.”
Andrei Corlan, Director – Commissioner General of the National Environmental Guard, highlighted the evolution and involvement of the institution he leads in this industry: “The National Environmental Guard is the armed arm of the Ministry of Environment, we are in charge of inspection and control. With the transposition of Government Decision 192/2020 into national legislation, we have become the main responsible authority for F-gases. Around 800 companies and individuals have been inspected, from which we have been able to draw several conclusions. And the best conclusions are drawn if you actually check the activities on the ground. Now the change or amendment of the Government Decision is being discussed, and among our conclusions submitted to the Ministry of Environment is that the current environmental legislative framework is not effective enough to really combat illegal trafficking of foreign natural gas. We have therefore debated the issue and brought forward relevant proposals to find a harmony and a final form of this law, so that all parties involved have effective solutions to be able to combat what is illegal and to encourage the development of a fair industry“.
On behalf of the Romanian Customs Authority, President Ion Cupă underlined the specific challenges of this new field: “One of our priorities is the supervision and customs control of goods imported into Romania, which are subject to prohibitions or restrictions, in order to protect the safety and health of both citizens and the environment. In this respect, we pay particular attention to combating illegal trade in fluorinated HFC gases. This is a challenging task because this is a relatively new field and I appreciate the support that the Association of F-Gas Companies Romania is willing to give us by providing the necessary equipment to strengthen customs control of these gases“.
The event benefited from the presence of outstanding speakers from the industry such as Tom Van Ierland – Head of Unit – DG Climate, European Commission, Andrei Corlan, Director of the Environmental Guard, Ion Cupă, President of the Romanian Customs Authority, as well as Marco Buoni (Italy), Director of Centro Studi Galileo, Giles Peters (Poland), Vertis Environment Finance and Emil Iakabos, Executive Director of the Romanian Association of Installation Engineers – Valahia Branch, who brought valuable insights and solutions for the future challenges of the F-gas industry.
The Association of F-GAS Companies Romania aims to become a focal point for change and innovation, embodying the vision of a greener and more sustainable future.