Derogations from the prohibition of the putting into operation of electrical switchgear under Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases

Priority question for written answer P-002492/2024
to the Commission
Rule 144
Andreas Glück (Renew)

Article 13(11) of Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases[1] provides for a derogation for the putting into operation of electrical switchgear using gases with a global warming potential lower than 1 000 if, after the prohibition dates referred to in Article 13(9), an insufficient number of bids were received. However, the Article 13(11) derogation raises issues concerning application for grid operators at all voltage levels, which have the potential to significantly delay the implementation of infrastructure projects that are key to achieving the European energy transition. The implementation of the projects as planned would entail considerable legal risks in the operating phase, with a risk of court-ordered closures or complex technical adjustment measures, combined with considerable financial expenditure.

• 1.Could the Commission clarify whether the derogation under Article 13(11) of Regulation (EU) 2024/573 also applies to procurement procedures conducted before the prohibition dates mentioned in Article 13(9), in order to ensure that essential infrastructure projects are not delayed?
• 2.Can the Commission clarify whether Article 13(12) can be applied irrespective of the periods referred to in Article 13(11), provided that the substantive requirements specified in Article 13(12) are met?

Submitted: 11.11.2024

• [1] Regulation (EU) 2024/573 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 7 February 2024 on fluorinated greenhouse gases, amending Directive (EU) 2019/1937 and repealing Regulation (EU) No 517/2014, OJ L, 2024/573, 20.2.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/reg/2024/573/oj.