The Future of Refrigerants: Moving Toward Sustainability
The future of refrigerants is undergoing significant change as governments, industries, and researchers work to reduce the use of substances like hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). These traditional refrigerants, while effective for cooling, have high global warming potentials (GWPs) and have been major contributors to climate change.
Global regulations, such as the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, are accelerating the phase-out of harmful refrigerants. Countries worldwide are setting ambitious targets to reduce the use of high-GWP substances. For instance, the UK is phasing down HFCs by 79% by 2030. National and regional policies are encouraging faster adoption of lower-GWP refrigerants through incentives and deadlines, pushing industries to embrace environmentally friendly alternatives.
Low-GWP natural refrigerants like ammonia, carbon dioxide (CO₂), and hydrocarbons such as propane are becoming more widely adopted due to their minimal environmental impact and efficiency. Meanwhile, synthetic refrigerants like hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) offer lower GWPs and are showing promise in commercial applications, delivering similar performance to HFCs with significantly less harm to the environment.
Emerging technologies are also reshaping the future of refrigerants. Solid-state cooling, for example, eliminates the need for refrigerants altogether, using alternative physics to create cooling effects. Similarly, the building industry is integrating energy-efficient cooling systems, such as those designed under the Passivhaus framework, to reduce reliance on traditional refrigerants and lower emissions.
Legacy systems still relying on high-GWP refrigerants have retrofit options available, enabling them to transition to low-GWP alternatives without replacing entire systems. This makes the shift both practical and economically feasible for industries. Better recycling programmes are also being introduced to capture and safely dispose of harmful gases, reducing the impact of leaks and improper disposal.
Scientific research is advancing rapidly, with a focus on developing new chemical compounds with low or zero GWPs. Researchers are exploring refrigerant blends and materials that outperform traditional options in terms of efficiency and safety, while also working to improve energy efficiency in cooling systems to cut indirect emissions.
At O-Hx, we are contributing to this revolution with our EnergiVault® cold thermal energy storage battery and charger system. This first-of-its-kind, AI-driven technology enhances operational resilience, reduces energy costs, and lowers carbon emissions for facilities that use water chillers for cooling. EnergiVault represents a significant leap forward in sustainable refrigeration and cooling solutions.
As the future of refrigerants shifts toward natural alternatives, low-GWP synthetics, and innovative cooling technologies, global and national regulations are paving the way for a greener, more sustainable industry. At O-Hx, we are proud to play a leading role in this transformation, driving progress and environmental responsibility in refrigeration.
By Bob Long, Founder and Executive Director at Organic Heat Exchangers, Fellow of the Institute of Refrigeration
