Chapter 3
3.3 Industrial Refrigeration No ban on new HFC-based industrial refrigeration equipment was included in the previous F-Gas Regulation update. Yet despite this fact, this is one of the most mature HVAC&R sectors in terms of climate-friendly alternative solutions. Ammonia has been used in this application since the 1800s and there is an increasing trend towards large transcritical CO 2 refrigeration systems too in the industrial refrigeration sector. Stakeholders were asked how this lack of a market prohibition has affected the sector in terms of 1) increasing the uptake of climate-friendly alternative technologies; 2) increasing the development of climate-friendly alternative technologies; and 3) increasing the price competitiveness of climate-friendly alternative technologies. Answers highlighted the negative impact this lack of prohibition has had on the sector developing alternative solutions. Sixty percent of survey respondents said that not having a ban slowed the uptake of climate-friendly alternative technologies in the industrial refrigeration sector, and 53% said it also slowed the development of such technologies. With regards to increasing the price competitiveness of climate-friendly alternative technologies, 53% of respondents believed that there was no impact, suggesting another lost opportunity. Respondents were asked if they thought this sector would have fully converted to natural refrigerants by now had a sectoral ban been included for 2020. The majority (78%) were positive that this would have happened by 2020. When asked whether they support a full ban on HFC-based equipment in industrial refrigeration by 2024, 72% said they did. Those who did not support it by this timeline were asked by when they thought such a ban could take effect in this sector. The result was evenly split across a five-year timeline between 1 January 2025 and 1 January 2030. Respondents were also asked about their refrigerant of choice for industrial refrigeration applications and half (50%) selected CO2 , with ammonia taking 33% of the votes. Reasons listed included that these refrigerants offered great efficiency, reduced cost, a favourable environmental impact, and ease of maintenance.
Figure 3.3.1 Do you support a full ban on new HFC-based equipment in the industrial refrigeration sector by 2024? 18 total respondents
28% No
72% Yes
Figure 3.3.2 What is your preferred refrigerant for use in industrial refrigeration applications? 18 responses 17% HFOs 33% Ammonia
50% CO2
Market Readiness Per Sector
27
