ICOM ENERGY ASSOCIATION


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The rise of R290 refrigerant for


What is R290?


R290, or propane, is a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant widely used in heat pumps, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Unlike synthetic refrigerants such as hydrofl uorocarbons (HFCs), R290 has zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a very low GWP of just 3, making it one of the most environmentally friendly options available.


Benefi ts compared to other refrigerants


1. Environmental impact – R290 has a much lower GWP than commonly used refrigerants such as R410A (GWP ~2,088) or R134a (GWP ~1,430). This aligns with the UK’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and phasing down high-GWP refrigerants under the Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas (F-Gas) Regulations. 2. Energy effi ciency – R290 off ers superior thermodynamic properties, enabling commercial heat pumps to operate more effi ciently. This translates into lower energy consumption, reduced running costs, and a smaller carbon footprint, key factors in meeting the UK’s Net Zero 2050 targets. 3. Compliance with UK regulations – The UK F-Gas Regulations 2015, which mirror the EU’s F-Gas Regulation (EU 517/2014), restrict the use of high-GWP refrigerants in heat pumps and refrigeration systems. The phasedown of HFCs under these regulations makes natural refrigerants like R290 an attractive alternative for businesses looking to future-proof their operations. 4. Safety considerations – While R290 is classifi ed as highly fl ammable (A3 safety rating), modern heat pump designs incorporate strict safety measures such as leak detection, ventilation systems, and low charge limits to mitigate risks. The BS EN 378 standard governs the safe use of refrigerants in the UK, ensuring that commercial installations adhere to best practices. 5. Futureproofi ng for UK businesses – As the UK government considers stricter regulations on synthetic


12 May 2025


commercial systems


The use of R290 refrigerant is becoming increasingly popular in commercial heat pumps as businesses seek environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional refrigerants. With the UK government pushing for lower carbon emissions and phasing out high- GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants, R290 presents a viable solution. Here, Steve McConnell,


director, Industrial and Commercial Heating Equipment Association (ICOM), explores what R290 is, its advantages over other refrigerants, and the UK legislation governing its use


refrigerants, investing in R290-based systems now can help businesses stay ahead of legal requirements while benefi ting from reduced operating costs and better sustainability credentials. 6. UK legislation and regulatory framework Several UK regulations and standards infl uence the adoption of R290 refrigerant in commercial heat pumps: ¡ F-Gas Regulations (UK 2015) – These regulations set out a phasedown of high-GWP refrigerants, encouraging the transition to alternatives like R290. ¡ BS EN 378 – Refrigerating Systems and Heat Pumps – Safety and Environmental Requirements – This standard provides guidance on the safe use of fl ammable refrigerants, ensuring compliance in commercial installations. ¡ The Building Regulations 2010 (Part L – Conservation of Fuel and Power) – These regulations promote energy-effi cient building systems, making high-effi ciency heat pumps using R290 an


attractive option for meeting legal requirements. ¡ UK Net Zero Strategy – The UK government’s broader environmental policies, including incentives for low-carbon heating solutions, support the adoption of heat pumps with natural refrigerants like R290. The shift towards R290 in commercial heat pumps is an essential step for UK businesses looking to reduce their environmental impact, comply with evolving regulations, and improve energy effi ciency. With legislative pressures phasing out high-GWP refrigerants, R290 off ers a cost-eff ective, sustainable, and future-proof alternative. As safety standards and technology continue to advance, R290 is set to play a crucial role in the UK’s transition to greener heating and cooling solutions. By adopting R290 now, businesses can not


only ensure compliance with current and future UK regulations but also benefi t from long-term energy savings and environmental credibility in an increasingly eco-conscious market.


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