Reasons for adopting low-GWP refrigerants and differences by country
Currently, widely used fluorocarbon-based refrigerants (HFCs and HFOs) are facing tighter global regulations due to their significant environmental impact.
HFC refrigerants have extremely high Global Warming Potential (GWP), and are being phased down under Europe’s F-gas Regulation and the U.S. AIM Act.
Meanwhile, HFO refrigerants are considered promising due to their low GWP, but when they degrade, they form a substance called TFA, which is persistent in the environment. Because of this, they are emerging as part of the PFAS (“forever chemicals”) regulatory debate.
In short:
- HFCs = Global warming risk
- HFOs = PFAS risk
Both are unlikely to escape stricter long-term regulation.
As a result, the industry is increasingly focused on natural refrigerants (CO₂, propane, ammonia, etc.) as the next-generation solution. These refrigerants have extremely low GWP, minimal regulatory risks, and are expected to provide a sustainable option.
However, national policies differ:
- EU is pushing for a full-scale shift to natural refrigerants.
- U.S. is prioritizing a transition first to A2L low-GWP refrigerants such as R32 and R454B.
This divergence is expected to have a significant impact on future markets and technology choices.
EU Steps Forward – Latest Trends in F-gas Regulation
On March 11, 2024, the EU enacted the new F-gas Regulation (EU Regulation 2024/573). This legislation drastically reduces the use of high-GWP refrigerants (such as HFCs) and aims for near-zero use by 2050, marking a major step toward climate neutrality.
Implementation Schedule
- March 11, 2024: Regulation enforced
- January 1, 2025 onwards: Specific restrictions phased in
The regulations will especially affect household and commercial air conditioners, heat pumps, refrigeration units, and other sectors.
Key Restrictions
- Single-split AC units (5–12 kW): Refrigerants with GWP ≥ 750 prohibited from 2025
- Other applications: Gradual transition to GWP ≤ 150 or zero-GWP refrigerants
- HFC phasedown: 85% reduction by 2036
- Targeting near-total phaseout by 2050
Refrigerants to be phased out
- R410A (GWP = 2088) – HFC
- R404A (GWP = 3922) – HFC
- R134a (GWP = 1430) – HFC
All of these are widely used high-GWP refrigerants but will be restricted.
Alternative refrigerants and challenges
- R32 (GWP = 675, HFC): High efficiency, but mid-GWP and mildly flammable (A2L)
- R290 (Propane, GWP = 3, natural): Very low GWP, but highly flammable (A3)
- R744 (CO₂, GWP = 1, natural): Environmentally friendly, but costly due to high-pressure systems
- R717 (Ammonia, GWP = 0, natural): High efficiency, but toxic
- HFOs (e.g., R1234yf): Low GWP, but costly, mildly flammable, and PFAS-related concerns
Outlook in Europe
From 2025 onwards, stricter labeling and reporting obligations will be enforced, requiring industry-wide transparency. The refrigeration, air conditioning, and heat pump industries will need to balance environmental performance and safety more carefully than ever.
The EU’s F-gas Regulation is certain to have a major global impact on refrigerant markets.
U.S. Moves Forward – HFC Reduction under the AIM Act
In the U.S., the AIM Act (American Innovation and Manufacturing Act), enacted in 2020, drives the phasedown of HFC refrigerants. This aligns with the international Kigali Amendment and accelerates refrigerant transition with a 2050 outlook.
Implementation Schedule
- January 1, 2022: HFC phasedown began
- January 1, 2025 onwards: Product-specific restrictions gradually enforced
- Target: 85% HFC reduction by 2036
Recent developments include the publication of the final Technology Transitions Rule (October 2023) and an updated EPA Fact Sheet (December 2024).
Key Restrictions
- Self-contained AC/heat pumps: GWP ≤ 700 (from 2025)
- Household refrigerators: GWP ≤ 150
- Commercial refrigeration: GWP ≤ 150–300 (depending on application)
- VRF/ductless AC: Targeting
