Green Refrigerant Transition

Green and natural refrigerants are essential for climate action and global sustainability. With increasing energy consumption due to development and rising demand for energy, adopting green refrigerants is necessary to meet the need for comfort and energy efficiency. Reducing CFCs to lessen their environmental harm is essential. HFCs are greenhouse gases but do not damage the ozone layer.

Green refrigeration is growing as a viable alternative to tackle climate change and environmental deterioration. Traditional refrigerants like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are depleting the ozone layer and contributing to global warming. The Indian government has adopted global regulations, including the Kigali Amendment. This initiative is a step towards reducing the global effect caused by limited air conditioning and refrigerator use. The government has pledged to reduce HFCs by 85 per cent by 2047.

Shifting to green refrigeration is essential for combating climate change and securing a sustainable future. Eco-friendly alternatives, such as natural refrigerants and those with low global warming potential, provide a pathway toward more sustainable cooling systems consistent with environmental objectives. This transition to green refrigeration is necessary for addressing climate change for an environmentally conscious and energy-efficient world.

Green refrigerants and climate efficiency

Mr. Pankaj Kumar Gupta, Chief Sustainability Officer at Ensavior Technology, highlights the critical role of green and natural refrigerants in addressing climate change and promoting global peace. He stresses the importance of adopting green refrigerants, as traditional options like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) contribute to global warming and ozone depletion, harming the Earth’s stratosphere. In a fast-changing world where energy demand and consumption are rising due to accelerating development, actionable measures are essential for an environment conducive to human beings.

Energy consumption is increasing with the growing use of mobile technology and artificial intelligence. It is now six times higher than earlier data systems due to increased data demand and the need for learning. As conscious users, we cannot resist the digital world’s demand for comfort. In an era of rising temperatures, avoiding air conditioning is impractical. Instead, we should focus on architectural designs using efficient HVAC systems to meet cooling needs. Energy reduction can be achieved by designing buildings with passive cooling solutions and optimising shading and lighting. Proper equipment selection, maintenance, and addressing refrigerant leakage are issues in ensuring an energy-efficient environment. Being conscious citizens, we must take action that balances energy use and the environment towards transition.

Challenges in the refrigerant transition

Mr Gupta shares difficulties in transitioning between refrigerants or technologies due to financial constraints related to energy systems. Transitioning from one refrigerant to another is challenging. Energy financing focuses on the initial cost rather than the long-term life cycle costs. In many cases, decisions are made based on upfront costs, which require substantial financial incentives to support such transitions when assessing energy-intensive systems through life cycle cost analysis.

The transition to ESG compliance for big corporations has been slow, however, with shared savings and ESCO models being gradually adopted. Accelerating this transition is crucial to overcoming current challenges. It requires expediting this process and analysing all financial aspects and life cycle costs for an efficient transition.

Reducing CFC

Dr. Roshni Udyavar Yehuda, CEO of RUA Ecospace, underscores the importance of reducing chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). While CFCs were initially identified as ideal materials for various uses when discovered in the 1930s, Mario Molino’s 1995 research revealed that these chemicals accumulated in the stratosphere and damaged the ozone layer. This led to their harmful effects and significant global warming potential. Despite efforts to switch to HCFCs, these also have negative environmental impacts.

As an environmental architect, she believes we can reduce our ways of living by focusing on efficiency. Improving building efficiency can reduce air conditioning needs by up to a third of its current capacity, reducing our reliance on air conditioning. This approach promotes the use of optimal materials and also reduces the need for excessive reputation-building. The search for solutions to the challenges posed by chlorofluorocarbons and their impact on the environment is ongoing. By focusing on efficiency and simplicity, working toward natural refrigerant usage is a viable option for a peaceful future.

Natural refrigerants and innovations

Niraj Shukla, Director – Global HVAC Consultant, suggests that India should focus on introducing more natural refrigeration. Green refrigerants contribute 10 per cent of global emissions, but coal-based plants contribute to India’s emissions. To address this, India should focus on more natural refrigeration, which can operate under high-pressure requirements. The components are needed to reduce costs and make these components more affordable for all sectors, including transport and warehouse refrigeration. Effective R&D with the right amount of money and government support can reduce production costs and make these components more accessible. However, people may need more time due to cost constraints than hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. More research and development should occur. Adoption is more important. However, research and development should happen to make green refrigeration more accessible and affordable.

Pankaj Dewan, Group Chairman & Founder, Dewan Seizo Consultant, believes that ozone-depleting potential is protected due to zero Ozone depletion potential refrigerant usage. But, the global warming potential, including greenhouse gases, is now more dangerous. Refrigerators are also responsible for these emissions. Innovation and research are happening to address these risks. Western countries have primarily used these technologies, encountering issues and adapting solutions to tackle global warming. Patents pose a challenge globally, complicating access to these technologies due to their limited availability.

The Ultra-Low GWP refrigerant, R134a, R1234yf, and R1234ze, is a mix of chemicals developed from existing chemicals.

These developments demonstrate the ingenuity and creativity of Indian engineers. Indian industries should invest in researching and patenting this technology, as it could yield benefits. India is following the example of Western countries in developing solutions for global warming and ozone depletion. Its limited use has reduced environmental damage. As the demand for refrigerants grows, India has to adopt a different approach.

CO2and ozone layer

Rahul Kapoor, Director at Carrier Commercial Refrigeration, talks about several methods to protect the ozone layer and reduce carbon emissions in the atmosphere. Efficiency in equipment leads to reduced power consumption, which has a positive environmental impact. He says that more power gets produced using coal, which is not environmentally friendly. The refrigerants like CO2 can provide both sides of the equation, bringing efficiency and reducing power consumption. Though developed in Europe, this approach effectively meets environmental goals.

Natural refrigerants reduce carbon content and make systems more efficient than standard solutions. However, this also consumes power. Institutions in the commercial refrigeration space expect that more CO2 emissions will be in the Western world. India and smaller countries cannot afford the technology today. This trend continues in the Western region and other smaller countries.

European companies are transitioning to use CO2 as a replacement for HFCs in their fleets, but there are better solutions than this due to availability and cost efficiency reasons. A gradual, step-by-step strategy is necessary to build the green revolution in refrigeration. In India, multinational corporations, especially those in food processing, e-commerce, and food retail, are expected first to adopt CO2 technology to achieve global net zero emissions. Indian entrepreneurs will follow suit, building up their green revolution in refrigeration. This systematic approach is considered crucial for the green revolution in refrigeration.

Mr Gupta noted that the refrigerant industry focuses on energy efficiency, with an increase in refrigerants in chilled water systems and centrifugal chillers. However, the industry is transitioning towards isotropic refrigerants for more sustainable efficiencies. Research on HFOs and VRF systems is ongoing, with companies like Daikin using patented R 32 refrigerants with around 1/3 global warming potential. The industry transition depends on the type of system, such as standalone, VRF, or chill water systems. The industry is moving towards better refrigerants by mixing isotropic types for more sustainable efficiencies, with CO2 refrigeration being a natural choice. However, transitioning is happening quickly towards a net zero target with risks associated with this transition. 

Systems for net zero

Mr Dewan discusses that an efficient system must be created to achieve net zero carbon emissions, including inverter compressors in air conditioning and refrigeration. Variable speed can reduce power consumption, similar to renewable energy. The best refrigerant must be efficient, low-waste, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Depending on the application, various choices are available, such as small refrigeration units, cold storage, or systems for ultra-low temperatures. Selective options are necessary to reduce global warming potential and greenhouse gas emissions. 

Dr Roshni added that the energy efficiency model involves creating a passive building envelope, using efficient equipment and renewable energy. For example, the Empire State Building, constructed in the 1930s, was initially an energy consumer due to its lack of efficient envelope. In the late 1990s, energy efficiency was improved by replacing 6,500 windows with a triple-glazed system, which cut energy consumption by 38 percent monthly. It resulted in considerable long-term savings.

From now on

The focus on green refrigerants and energy efficiency is critical for addressing climate change and promoting sustainability. There is a need to adopt green refrigerants, as traditional ones like CFCs and HCFCs contribute to global warming and ozone depletion. With rising energy demands driven by technology, efficient HVAC systems and building designs are essential. Improved architectural design can significantly reduce air conditioning needs and enhance energy efficiency. It depicts that improving building efficiency, as demonstrated by the Empire State Building’s retrofits, can lead to significant energy savings and long-term benefits.

A gradual approach is necessary for Indian industries to adopt CO2 technology for refrigeration as they aim for net-zero emissions. Though true, natural refrigerants like CO2 improve efficiency but face high costs, limiting adoption. An inclining approach for more natural refrigerants in India suggests the need for affordable components and R&D support to make these technologies accessible. While ODP is now protected, global warming potential remains a concern. Efficient systems, including inverter compressors and renewable energy integration, are essential for achieving net-zero carbon emissions.

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Roshni Udyavar Yehuda, CEO, RUA Ecospace LLP.

The energy efficiency model involves creating a passive building envelope, using efficient equipment, and utilising renewable energy.

Niraj Shukla, Director – Global HVAC Consultant.

Natural refrigerants in India focus on the need for affordable components and R&D support to make these technologies accessible.

Pankaj Dewan, Group Chairman & Founder, Dewan Seizo Consultant LLP.

ODP gets protected due to zero ozone depletion potential refrigerant usage, but the GWP, including greenhouse gases, is now more dangerous.

Rahul Kapoor, Director, Carrier Commercial Refrigeration.

Equipment efficiency leads to reduced power consumption, and natural refrigerants like CO2 improve efficiency but face high costs, limiting adoption.

Pankaj Kumar Gupta, Chief Sustainability Officer, Ensavior Technology Pvt. Ltd.

There is an imminent need to adopt green refrigerants, as traditional ones like CFCs and HCFCs contribute to global warming and ozone depletion.