Beijing’s Green Cooling Action Plan targets rapid energy savings and international alignment on low-GWP refrigerants.
China is accelerating its transition away from environmentally harmful refrigerants under the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP). As part of its Green Cooling Action Plan, first submitted in June 2019, Beijing pledged to reduce hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in line with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, adopted in October 2016. Alongside this, China has set short-term energy efficiency goals for specific applications, aiming to achieve both climate protection and energy savings simultaneously.
To reach its HCFC elimination targets, the government has supported numerous projects to replace HCFCs with alternative refrigerants. Progress reports are made publicly available via the UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme). In preparation for broader HFC cuts, manufacturers are now required to declare their annual refrigerant consumption, enabling authorities to strengthen quota management and monitoring.
China’s evaluation of alternatives goes beyond ozone depletion potential (ODP), taking into account global warming potential (GWP), safety standards, and application suitability. Recommended refrigerants differ depending on use cases and timelines, but all emphasize the adoption of low-GWP solutions. These policies are supported by the incorporation of international safety standards, including ISO 5149 (adopted as China’s GB/T9237) and the IEC 60335 series, both of which are currently being updated.
Future Outlook and Impact
- HFC reduction will begin earlier, alongside HCFC phase-out, promoting the adoption of internationally aligned low-GWP refrigerants.
- Mandatory reporting of refrigerant usage will pave the way for stricter quota systems and more transparent distribution controls.
- Wider application of global safety standards could boost the export competitiveness of Chinese products and ease entry into overseas markets.
- By linking energy-saving targets with refrigerant transitions, China will drive technological innovation in its HVAC and refrigeration industries.
Keyword Explanations
- HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP): China’s roadmap for phasing out hydrochlorofluorocarbons under the Montreal Protocol, including projects to transition to alternative refrigerants.
- Green Cooling Action Plan: A 2019 national strategy combining HFC reduction, energy efficiency goals, and adoption of low-GWP refrigerants.
- GB/T9237 (ISO 5149): The Chinese adaptation of ISO 5149, an international safety standard for refrigerant systems, ensuring safe use of new low-GWP refrigerants.
