Stricter rules for fluorinated greenhouse gases

The time for synthetic refrigerants is running out. EU Regulation 2024/573, which came into force in March 2024, drastically tightens the rules for fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) and forces system operators to take action. A central element is the so-called "phase-down", which will gradually reduce the available quantity of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to zero by 2050.

This is already having noticeable consequences for industrial companies: from a legal perspective, existing systems containing F-gases may continue to be operated and maintained. However, the phase-down will lead to a shortage of service refrigerants such as "R134a" or "R407C".

This inevitably results in rising prices and potential supply bottlenecks. It makes it more difficult to take a forward-looking view of the life cycle costs of existing systems. Maintenance and servicing of existing systems thus become a volatile cost factor.

F-Gas Regulation: Deadlines for placing new systems on the market

At the same time, the regulation sets clear deadlines for placing new systems on the market. Strict GWP limits will apply to many applications from 2027. The GWP value ("Global Warming Potential") describes how much a refrigerant contributes to global warming compared to carbon dioxide (CO₂) - CO₂ serves as a reference value with a GWP value of 1. The higher the GWP value, the more harmful the refrigerant is to the climate, as it increases global warming when released into the atmosphere.

From 2032, there will be a far-reaching ban on most F-gases. Regulation is also increasing internationally, for example through the "AIM Act" in the USA.

"The current F-gas regulation is creating an irreversible reality," explains Karsten Revers, Team Leader Technology at technotrans SE. "Many of our customers are looking for a reliable long-term solution that will not be caught up in the regulation again in a few years. This is precisely where natural refrigerants offer the required planning and investment security."

Future-proof with natural refrigerants?

Among the available natural refrigerants, propane (R290) in particular has established itself as a highly efficient and sustainable solution for industrial thermal management systems. The advantageous thermodynamic properties of hydrocarbons such as propane lie in their high specific cooling capacity and efficiency.

Natural refrigerants are a reliable long-term solution and already offer companies planning and investment security today. © technotrans SE

Independent scientific studies show that modern systems optimized for R290 can achieve a coefficient of performance (COP) that is around 20 percent higher. In practice, performance-regulated R290 systems lead to significant energy savings and therefore noticeably reduce operating costs.

The state reinforces this economic advantage through subsidy programs. In Germany, for example, the Federal Office of Economics and Export Control (BAFA) only subsidizes investments in refrigeration systems with non-halogenated, natural refrigerants.

"Subsidies are a decisive factor for many companies, making the investment even more attractive. That's why we actively support our customers and lower the barriers to entry with our consulting services," says Revers.

Another decisive advantage is that it is future-proof. With a GWP value of 0.02, R290 is exempt from the F-Gas Regulation. An investment in a system with this refrigerant therefore offers a high level of planning and legal certainty over the entire life cycle of the system. With the environmentally friendly refrigerant, users also reduce their carbon footprint.

The use of the refrigerant is also harmless in terms of safety. The design of modern R290 refrigeration systems with hermetically sealed refrigeration circuits, minimal filling quantities and integrated safety sensors minimizes the risk potential.

The installation follows clear, simple rules: For the preferred outdoor installation, only defined safety distances from building openings (windows, doors, ventilation intakes) and potential ignition sources must be observed.

For indoor installation, the decisive criterion is that, in the event of a leak, the concentration of refrigerant in the room air remains well below the lower flammable limit (LFL). This is ensured by the appropriate ratio of the refrigerant charge to the room volume.

"Safety is a key issue for our customers," adds Revers. "That's why our safety concept doesn't end with the machine. We accompany the installation and operation with comprehensive training and individual support. This creates trust and ensures the safe handling of natural refrigerants in a demanding industrial environment."

Proven systems already in use for years

technotrans was one of the first manufacturers worldwide to launch production-ready thermal management solutions with R290 back in the early 2020s and has been gradually converting its product portfolio to R290 ever since.