The Chemours Company announced the successful installation and use of Opteon refrigerant at SAP Center at San Jose, home of the San Jose Sharks in California. The facility leveraged the use of Opteon XP10 in both ice making and building HVAC systems from Trane Technologies. This installation marks the second National Hockey League (NHL) Club in two years that has upgraded to Opteon for its performance, reliability, safety, environmental properties, and cost effectiveness.
"SAP Center at San Jose is a world-class sports and entertainment venue, hosting San Jose Sharks (NHL) and San Jose Barracuda (AHL) games, figure skating competitions and exhibitions, and family shows on ice throughout the year. When we needed to upgrade the refrigeration systems at the venue, we had a variety of options – but landed on Opteon," said Jon Gustafson, Senior Vice President & General Manager, SAP Center at San Jose. "Through installation, startup and initial ice making - and return to play, the performance of Opteon has met or exceeded our expectations. With the environment top of mind, we went with Opteon because it's a proven solution that had the best balance our organization was looking for."
Opteon, the preferred refrigerant of the NHL, is a non-ozone depleting and low global warming potential (GWP) solution that offers an environmentally and economically sustainable solution to make high-quality ice in professional and community rinks across North America. With various refrigerant options to consider when replacing their aging system, the forward-thinking San Jose Sharks chose to be a leader in their community, years ahead of 2024, when facilities in California replacing ice plant and HVAC chillers will need to choose a refrigerant with < 750 GWP.
"We are proud to work with the San Jose Sharks and Trane Technologies to provide a safer, more sustainable arena for players, fans and the surrounding community," said Alisha Bellezza, President, Thermal & Specialized Solutions at Chemours. "Chemours is committed to supporting NHL and community rinks alike with our Opteon refrigerants. The SAP Center upgrade represents another arena added to the rinks across North America that have already converted to Opteon."
The National Hockey League (NHL) and Chemours partnership continues to inspire environmental progress in the sports community through educating owners and operators about the importance of transitioning to low-GWP, non-ozone depleting refrigerant solutions for their refrigeration and HVAC systems. The partnership is helping to transform the game of ice hockey through innovation and leadership, thereby ensuring that all levels of hockey continue to thrive.
