Have your say on new gas for fridges and air conditioners

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is seeking submissions on an application to import a heat transfer gas to be used for refrigeration and air conditioning.

The gas – HFO-1234yf – is for use in refrigeration and air conditioning systems in commercial and domestic settings, including in cars.

The applicant, Honeywell International Inc, has applied to import HFO-1234yf (2,3,3,3-tetrafluoropropene) to replace some existing refrigerants because it has a much lower global warming potential and better energy performance than existing HFC and HCHC refrigerants, breaks down rapidly in the environment, and is not ozone depleting.

Because HFO-1234yf is a flammable gas, the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is seeking submissions from the refrigerant industry and other parties about managing the flammability risks.

Public submissions open on Monday 18 July and close at 5pm on Monday 29 July 2016.

What EPA does: The EPA decides on applications for the release of hazardous substances under the HSNO Act. We assess the benefits, risks and costs of releasing hazardous substances to safeguard people and the environment.