Refrigeration and the Energy Transition
Refrigeration accounts for approximately 15% of France’s total electricity consumption, a figure expected to rise with increasing global temperatures and the expanding demand for cooling services, such as data centers. The discussions at the event focused on how the industry is adapting to new environmental challenges while ensuring business continuity.
AFF President Gérald Cavalier opened the evening with a speech introducing the Lycée Raspail’s refrigeration programs. This was followed by a roundtable discussion titled “Refrigeration, an Essential Player in the Energy Transition,” featuring key industry figures:
- Bertrand Bompas, President of La Chaîne Logistique du Froid
- Marco Duran-Herrera, Head of Policy and Global Partnerships at the International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR)
- Noël Thiefine, General Delegate of Transfrigoroute France
- Karima Kaci, General Director of FIAC
- Gérald Cavalier, President of the AFF
Moderated by Alison Paquette, the panel addressed several pressing topics, including the main challenges of 2024, energy consumption in refrigerated logistics, the impact of energy costs on SMEs, and regulatory updates to keep pace with technological advancements. Ammonia was highlighted as a promising refrigerant for the future.
Industry Perspectives and Future Actions
Marco Duran of the IIR emphasized the importance of capacity building and awareness to ensure proper technology selection with environmental considerations. He also highlighted the need for collaboration with governments on policies such as national heat pump plans and fiscal incentives. Additionally, he stressed the importance of attracting young talent and increasing gender diversity in the sector to secure a skilled workforce.
The event also featured insights from industry sponsors, including:
- Bruno Etting, Director of Innovation at Chéreau
- Laurent Pépin, General Director of Mayekawa France
- Gilles Labranque, CEO of Sofrigam
- Yvan Le Picault, Executive at Syclef
These representatives shared their companies’ strategies for the energy transition and discussed the challenges in developing equipment that meets evolving energy requirements.
Looking Ahead
The evening concluded with a networking session, reinforcing the industry’s commitment to collaboration and innovation. AFF President Gérald Cavalier underscored the need for integrating renewable energy and equipping the workforce to support the EU’s heat pump deployment. The discussions set the stage for further industry initiatives in 2025, aligning refrigeration with global energy transition goals.