FCC Ámbito took part in the presentation of the results of the SUDOE ‘KET4F-Gas’ Project, a round table organised with industrial representatives from the different stages in the value chain. The event, which took place on 22nd and 23rd September in Bayonne (France), took stock of the positive results of the project, presenting the Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) developed to manufacturers, installers and waste management companies.

The Interreg Sudoe “KET4F-Gas – Reduction of the Environmental Impact of Fluorinated Gases in the Sudoe space using Key Enabling Technologies” has had as its main objective to reduce the environmental impact through the separation and recovery of F-gases. It is financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) through the European Interreg Sudoe Programme, the project has been a major European eco-innovation partnership to reduce the impact of fluorinated gases. 

Fluorinated gases used massively in the refrigeration sector have a high impact in global warming, which can be up to 23,000 times more potent than CO2 and are retained in the atmosphere for thousands of years. Their use has increased in recent years as a result of the need to replace chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which are responsible for the destruction of the ozone layer. 

The two technologies that have resulted from the R&D process are based on “green chemistry” processes, nanotechnologies, advanced separation materials and processes that are very easy to apply and have a sufficiently low implementation cost to make recycling and reuse of refrigerant gases economically attractive.

The importance of this new technology is that, for the first time, it offers an economical alternative for separating and recovering refrigerant gases at the end of their useful life, restoring their purity and therefore their efficiency. This way, it encourages the recycling and reuse of gases instead of their emission into the atmosphere, valorising waste and introducing circular economy principles.

KET4F-Gas has had a duration of 3 years and has received overall funding of €1.7 million. Coordinated by the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, it involved 13 partners and 6 associates from Spain, France, Portugal and United Arab Emirates, including universities, companies, waste and environmental agencies and other public and private entities.

FCC Ámbito’s participation in this project has answered to its firm commitment with sustainable development and the fight against climate change through innovation, and it has contributed to it by bringing its extensive experience in refrigerant gas refuse to the table, acquired over more than 25 years managing refrigerator waste at its plant in Pont de Vilomara (Barcelona). During this time, more than 2,430,000 refrigerator units have been treated, with a total weight of around 132,000 tonnes. FCC Ámbito also has an exclusive facility for the reception and treatment of waste containing gases, located in Fustiñana (Navarre), where they are reconditioned for shipment to final management. 

In addition, the project contributes to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which the FCC Group is very committed to, specifically SDG 12 on responsible consumption, by promoting the development of technologies that facilitate the responsible use of resources; SDG 13 on climate action, by reducing greenhouse gases (GHG); and SDG 17 on establishing partnerships for the achievement of these goals, by collaborating with 19 other prestigious entities from different sectors, such as academia, public or business.