The 2023 Market Report by ATMOsphere provides a comprehensive overview of the state of the natural refrigerants industry, focusing on the use of transcritical CO2 (R744) installations in commercial and industrial applications in Europe, North America, and Japan. The report also includes data on the use of low-charge ammonia, hydrocarbon cabinets, and natural refrigerant-based domestic heat pumps in Europe.
The report highlights significant growth in the use of transcritical CO2 systems in food retail stores and industrial sites across Europe. As of December 2023, approximately 68,500 food retail stores in Europe, accounting for nearly 25% of all food retail stores, were using transcritical CO2 systems. The number of stores with centralized systems grew by 20%, while those using condensing units increased by 70%. In addition, there were an estimated 3,300 industrial sites using CO2 technology, representing a 65% growth from the previous year.
The report also discusses the market penetration of transcritical CO2 systems in North America and Japan. In North America, the number of food retail stores using transcritical CO2 systems increased by over 80%, with a total of 2,930 stores in the U.S. and Canada. In Japan, there were 8,385 stores using transcritical CO2 systems, representing a retail market penetration of 10.9%.
Furthermore, the report evaluates the use of low-charge ammonia and hydrocarbon chillers in Europe, as well as the growing trend of transitioning to more environmentally friendly and efficient cooling and heating technologies in Europe, North America, and Japan. Overall, the report confirms a shift towards cleaner and more sustainable refrigeration and heating technologies in these regions.
