Estimation, and framework proposal of greenhouse gas emissions of fluorinated substitutes for ozone-depleting substances by application area in the Republic of Korea

Abstract

Since fluorine compounds have both high ozone depletion potential and high global warming potential, the study of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs) is crucial for climate change research. In this study, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from ozone-depleting industries in the Republic of Korea were estimated based on survey data on the use of fluorine compounds. This study is a response to the growing global attention to halocarbons that arose from the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol. Survey data on the consumption of fluorine compounds by application area were used to estimate emissions by applying the 2019 refinement IPCC Guidelines Tier 1a method. In addition, both the consumption ratio of fluorine compounds in the refrigeration and air conditioning application area and total fluorine compounds consumption by application area were compared with the values suggested by the UN Environment Programme to compare the current status with that in developing and developed countries. By comparing the derived GHG emissions with current emissions in the National Inventory Report, it was confirmed that 14,565 GgCO2eq of GHG emissions differed. In addition, through the replacement of fluorine compounds used as refrigerants, 14,422 GgCO2eq of the GHG emissions can be reduced.