SUPERMARKETS
Future-proofi ng retrofi t
Darren Lacroix of Energy Recovery looks at retrofi tting CO2 for warming climates.
systems Darren Lacroix For
supermarkets seeking a reliable, cost-eff ective retrofi t, pressure exchangers off er a
solution that extends the lifespan of existing CO₂ systems while reducing energy and water costs.
O
ver the past thirteen years, CO₂ system adoption in Europe has surged from 2,885 supermarkets in 2013 to an estimated 68,500 stores today. CO₂ refrigeration
systems now account for over 25% of all European supermarkets, operating across diverse climates from Denmark to Southern Spain. Thanks to their modern design, CO₂ refrigeration systems have a long lifespan, with a fi fteen-year industry standard for commercial systems. Early adopters of CO₂ technology also remain compliant with regulations and may be able to extend their systems’ lifespan until a major store remodel is required. Now, as these fi rst-generation CO₂ systems age, supermarkets are increasingly interested in retrofi tting solutions to enhance performance and address the challenges of a rapidly warming climate, which has pushed systems beyond their original design temperatures. Fortunately, compact modules such as pressure exchangers
and evaporative cooling units can now be integrated into existing systems. These technologies help older CO₂ racks achieve energy effi ciency and high-heat performance comparable to the latest designs.
The challenge of climate change for CO2 Refrigeration systems are designed to operate within specifi c
ambient temperature parameters based on the supermarket’s location. Engineers and system designers collaborate closely with retailers to create solutions that balance reliability, performance, and cost.
20 March 2025 •
www.acr-news.com
However, Europe has experienced an unprecedented climate shift over the past decade. A study published in Nature Communications identifi ed Europe as a “heatwave hotspot,” with temperature increases occurring three to four times faster than in the rest of the northern midlatitudes. When ambient temperatures exceed a system’s design
threshold, the gas cooler effi ciency is compromised, therefore creating a refrigeration load reduction within the supermarket. This phenomenon leads to potential consequential damages, system failures, and lost revenues due to shutdowns. As global temperatures continue to rise and heatwaves become more frequent, CO₂ systems originally designed for cooler summers are increasingly at risk.
Increasing demand for refrigeration Climate change isn’t the only factor driving supermarkets
to retrofi t their CO₂ systems. The COVID-19 pandemic signifi cantly altered shopping habits, leading to an increased demand for frozen and refrigerated foods. According to Circana and 210 Analytics data, frozen food sales rose by 6.7% in 2023, and industry trends indicate continued growth. To meet this demand, retailers and manufacturers are exploring ways to expand their refrigeration capacity without replacing entire systems.
Not all solutions are equal To address rising temperatures and growing refrigeration
needs, supermarkets are seeking retrofi t solutions that Download the ACR News app today
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