vapor compression refrigeration systems that utilize low GWP refrigerants will set the industry standard for the foreseeable future,” he adds. Indeed, some consultants,


including Katja Beck FCSI, senior associate at US consultancy Cini-Little International, see the biggest advances as being more aesthetic than anything else, as the principles of refrigeration are the same as ever, just with more efficient compressors. “Manufacturers have some


roll-in refrigerators without ramps that are built into the floor, almost like a walk-in cooler, and that is new to me,” she says. “And there are more units built into millwork to blend into the architecture and look less institutional. Some even have glass on three sides for a nice display. Te last big technological innovation was the blast chiller, which is not new on the market and is expensive.”


THE ENVIRONMENT RULES Environmental priorities continue to drive the regulatory


agenda. Te result is a shift away from traditional refrigerants like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which have both high global warming potential (GWP) and ozone depletion potential (ODP), towards natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, including propane and isobutane. Similarly, refrigerants


such as R290 (propane) and R600a (isobutane) have been widely adopted due to their low environmental impact and excellent thermodynamic properties. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is another natural refrigerant that is gaining popularity in larger industrial systems. Tis is a response


to legislation such as the European Union’s crackdown on fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases). In January, the EU welcomed the adoption of new F-gas and ozone-depleting substance (ODS) rules as part of the EU Green Deal. Heralded as an important step towards the


bloc’s 2030 climate goals and climate neutrality


by 2050, it could eliminate


an additional 500m tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions by 2050 - comparable to the combined annual emissions of France and Belgium. “From January 2025, all


refrigeration must have less than 150 GWP, but now the


“The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency have driven innovation by focusing on environmental responsibility”


average is 600-1000 GWP,” says Beck. “It is a significant drop, and testing and development take forever, so everyone is scrambling to meet new requirements at the start of next year. After all, the change was only announced last October.” Te EU F-gas regulation


has significant implications for refrigeration equipment manufacturers and operators in the EU. “It places limits on the


use of fluorinated gases and encourages the use of lower- GWP alternatives, which supports the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol,” says Glenn Campbell FCSI, founder & MD of UK-based


Cohesion Consulting. “Tis has naturally led to a shift towards low-GWP refrigerants such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), and natural refrigerants like ammonia and CO2.” “Indeed, CO2 is fast


becoming the preferred refrigerant in medium-to-large refrigeration applications,” he adds. “With the implementation of refrigerant regulations like the Kigali amendment, the quest for alternative solutions is accelerating even further and CO2 is recognized as the most viable and efficient solution among natural refrigerants.” Te US is also strongly


pursuing regulations on sustainability, and all HFC refrigerants may very soon be banned, paving the way for a global drive towards greener technologies. For manufacturers, this means a difficult job of balancing regulatory pressures with operator needs. “Te Department of Energy (DoE) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have driven innovation to where it is today by focusing on environmental responsibility,” says Jason Hartman, director of marketing, American Panel Corporation. “From the foam used for insulation to refrigerant gases, manufacturers must meet or exceed the EPA regulations in order to futureproof equipment.” “For the DoE, it is about


reducing energy use, ensuring systems do not come on all the time, or are responsive to changes in use,” he adds. “But >


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