A re-elected Turnbull Government will deliver a 85 per cent phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) that will see Australia continue as a global leader in reducing emissions in the same way that Australia led the world in phasing out ozone depleting substances.
HFCs are powerful synthetic greenhouse gases widely used in refrigerators, air conditioners, fire extinguishers and insulating foam.
They are the main gases used in more than 45 million pieces of refrigeration and air conditioning equipment in Australia.
A re-elected Turnbull Coalition government will join the United States, Europe and Japan by taking early action on hydrofluorocarbons.
The measures will contribute up to around 80 million tonnes to Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction targets as well as help improve energy productivity.
By working together, the Government and industry have reduced annual greenhouse emissions from CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs from over 100 million tonnes in 1989 to under 12 million tonnes now.
And we are now placed to further reduce emissions by a further 80 million tonnes over the period 2018 to 2030 – a stunning outcome.
Australia’s HFC phase-down supports the proposed global phase-down under the Montreal Protocol. A Montreal Protocol phase-down would reduce global emissions by 90 – 110 billion tonnes by 2050. This is equivalent to 2 years of total global emissions.
Australia’s HFC phase-down will provide certainty for business and place Australia well to meet any future international obligations to phase-down hydrofluorocarbons.
The Coalition has strong and effective policies to tackle climate change. We are committed to practical actions that achieve real and measurable results for the environment without increasing prices for households and businesses.
The Emissions Reduction Fund has already contracted 143 million tonnes of emissions reductions at an average price of $12.10 per tonne.
The Renewable Energy Target will see a doubling of large scale renewable energy by 2020. Over 15 per cent of Australian households have access to rooftop solar, the highest penetration in the world.
The Coalition will invest $1 billion investment in a new Clean Energy Innovation Fund.
The National Energy productivity Plan will achieve a 40 per cent increase in energy efficiency by 2030. We have announced new measures to improve the energy efficiency of appliances including lighting, air conditioners and refrigerators, as well as expand the commercial building disclosure program.
Only the Coalition is committed to tackling climate change without a job-destroying carbon tax.