Subscribe to the daily news Sign in
En
High GWP Refrigerants Face Soaring Prices as Natural Alternatives Offer StabilityHigh GWP Refrigerants Face Soaring Prices as Natural Alternatives Offer StabilityHigh GWP Refrigerants Face Soaring Prices as Natural Alternatives Offer Stability

High GWP Refrigerants Face Soaring Prices as Natural Alternatives Offer Stability

High GWP Refrigerants Face Soaring Prices as Natural Alternatives Offer Stability

Since the implementation of the EU F-gas regulation on March 11, 2024, targeting the phase-out of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in various sectors, prices of conventional refrigerants have skyrocketed by up to 1000%, according to recent reports (Figure 1). Starting from an initial price range of 3 – 5 EUR/kg in 2014, current prices for high Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants range from 30 – 45 EUR/kg. In contrast, alternative refrigerants such as propane (R290) and carbon dioxide (R744) have maintained stable prices, remaining at much lower levels (~5 – 15 EUR/kg) since 2020, as noted by the German environmental consulting firm Öko-Recherche.

This significant price disparity is evident across various European suppliers. The steady increase in high-GWP refrigerant prices reflects the ongoing regulatory pressures and the phasedown schedules set by the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment.

Another factor contributing to the price hikes is the impending regulation of "forever chemicals," including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), currently under discussion at the EU level. Most refrigerants, except for natural alternatives like R290, R744, and R32, are known to decompose into PFAS (Table 1). Even refrigerants such as R1234yf, often considered an alternative, could see price increases due to its PFAS link.

Although these trends are currently centered in Europe, the research suggests they will influence global markets, driven by international commitments to reduce high-GWP substances. Despite the initially higher purchase price for greener refrigerants, they offer long-term cost benefits. For example, R290 is up to 10% more energy-efficient than R404A in most applications, leading to lower electricity bills and reduced environmental impact. Additionally, natural refrigerants minimize leakage rates, reducing the need for frequent refills and maintenance.

Proklima, an organization committed to supporting countries in their transition to green cooling solutions for over 25 years, continues to promote sustainable refrigerant options. Through its Greener Reefers project, Proklima encourages the use of natural refrigerants in maritime transport containers (reefers). Greener Reefers, which use refrigerants with a GWP below 11 and free of F-Gases and PFAS, represent a highly energy-efficient and environmentally friendly alternative in the refrigerated transport sector.


Source
Related tags: R290, R32, R404A, R744, propane
Share

Related news

Spanish Researchers Identify New Mixtures as Propane Alternatives
Study Evaluates Dimethyl Ether and Mixtures as Alternatives to R290. Researchers from Jaume I University in Spain have conducted a study evaluating dimethyl ether (RE170) and its ternary mixtu...
28 May 2025
Chemours fined €1 million for HFC-23 emissions at Dordrecht plant
The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (ILT) has fined Chemours €1 million [approx. USD 1.08 million] for exceeding European Union limits on the potent greenhouse gas HFC-23 at its plant in Dordrec...
02 Jun 2025
Updated Guide Offers Insights for Transition to R290 Split Air Cond...
GIZ Proklima and the German Environment Agency have released an updated edition of the R290 Split AC Resource Guide, aiming to support the transition toward environmentally friendly and ene...
18 Apr 2025
ASHRAE Updates Refrigerant Designations and Safety Classifications
The May 2025 UNEP/ASHRAE factsheet outlines new refrigerant numbers and safety classifications under ANSI/ASHRAE Standards 34 and 15, including flammability, toxicity, and GWP data. ASHRAE has...
09 May 2025
Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials phases out Koura brand
Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials has announced it will now operate solely under the Orbia Fluor & Energy Materials (Orbia F&EM) brand, phasing out the Koura brand name. The transition is ...
03 Jun 2025
Urgent Call for Climate-Friendly Refrigeration in Maritime Freight
The maritime freight sector must urgently transition to low-emission refrigeration technologies to meet global climate targets, according to a new publication released by the Kuehne Climate Cen...
05 Apr 2025