The Use of Alternatives to Synthetic Greenhouse Gases in Industries Regulated by the Montreal Protocol

About the report

Under the National Greenhouse Strategy the Australian Government has committed itself to limiting net greenhouse gas emissions.

The most potent greenhouse gases-synthetic greenhouse gases-include hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and sulphur hexafluoride (SF6). While these synthetic (or high global warming potential) gases are used and produced in a variety of industries, one of their most significant and rapidly growing uses are as substitutes for ozone depleting substances (ODS), including in the refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC), aerosols, foams, solvents, and fire protection sector.

The Australian Government is working with industry to develop environmental strategies for managing all three classes of synthetic greenhouse gases. This particular study was undertaken to provide the Government with a sound understanding of the status of HFC use in five key sectors, as well as the future prospects for transition to alternatives to synthetic greenhouse gases. This report summarises the views of Australian industry on the commercial availability, technical/cost effectiveness, and overall viability of alternatives.