Document kDZMb3Yw9BrQxK6jrV6599ZXB

From: Sent: To: Subject: SPF Sant Publique - FOD Volksgezondheid) lundi, 13 fvrier 2023 14:47 FW: Meeting request - F-Gas regulation - Flint Global USAGE INTERNE - INTERN GEBRUIK FYI From: Sent: Monday, 13 February 2023 13:58 To: Cc: Subject: Meeting request - F-Gas regulation - Flint Global Good afternoon, Mr. , We are contacting you on behalf of the "Switching Gears for Net Zero Alliance", a group of six leading high and medium voltage power equipment manufacturers committed to bringing clean electricity to European consumers and businesses. (Mitsubishi Electric, Nuventura, Schneider Electric, Siemens AG, Siemens Energy and Toshiba are the members of this newly created alliance). Our alliance is committed to developing and delivering F-gas free T&D equipment for both medium and high voltage ranges. These products are already successfully in operation, and each of these companies is committed to closing the remaining portfolio gaps in the coming years to deliver power equipment in line with net zero requirements. As you know, SF6 is a commonly used insulating F-gas in grid equipment with a global warming potential (GWP) over 23,500 times greater than CO2. Fluoronitrile, a popular SF6 alternative, has similar leakage rates and is classified as a PFAS (`forever chemicals'), posing risks to the environment and human health. These environment and human health risks should not be ignored. To that extent, the ongoing review of the F-Gas Regulation provides an opportunity for the EU to demonstrate global leadership and will influence countries taking similar decisions. Timely action is needed, as operators currently face high uncertainty about whether to invest in SF6-free equipment, delaying the transition to carbon neutrality. The new F-Gas Regulation should give a clear signal to grid operators that Europe's future will be SF6 and F-gas/PFAS-free. To make things worse, the main producer of SF6 has announced its discontinuation by 2025, leaving manufacturers vulnerable to external dependencies, especially from China. Europe's strategic autonomy is at risk. Considering your crucial role on this file, we would welcome the opportunity to have a meeting and discuss these points further. Would you be available for an in person meeting this week ? Kind regards, Public European Affairs trainee 1