Articles, 09 September 2024
The 14th annual ATMO Europe Summit 2024 is set to gather key stakeholders in the HVAC&R industry to discuss the latest developments, projects, and trends related to natural refrigerants. Organized by ATMOsphere, the publisher behind NaturalRefrigerants.com, the summit will take place on November 25-26 at the Prague Congress Centre, featuring a comprehensive program that spans case studies, expert panels, and policy discussions.
This year’s event aims to bridge the knowledge and innovation gap by bringing together manufacturers, policymakers, end users, and installers. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore topics ranging from refrigeration and heat pump advancements to the implications of PFAS chemicals and the evolving EU F-gas Regulation.
The summit will showcase a variety of case studies focused on the use of natural refrigerants such as CO2 (R744), propane (R290), and ammonia (R717). Key presentations will highlight cutting-edge projects led by major companies including:
Dedicated sessions will cover heat pump technologies across multiple sectors, with presentations from industry leaders such as Advansor, TEKO, Zudek, and Carrier. Discussions will span applications in district heating, industrial solutions, and specialized use cases, reflecting the diverse potential of natural refrigerant-based heat pump systems.
A special panel on transport refrigeration and mobile air-conditioning will feature case studies on R290-based systems in electric buses and marine transport units. Presentations by Aurora Netherlands, GIZ, and others will illustrate how natural refrigerants can be leveraged in transportation to enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impact.
Triton Partners, a major private equity firm, will lead discussions on their investment strategies in natural refrigerant projects and their commitment to ESG principles. Insights will be provided on how acquisitions, like those of Kelvion and bluu unit, have impacted business operations and growth trajectories. Panelists will include senior figures from Triton, Kelvion, and bluu unit, offering a deep dive into the evolving investment landscape.
Representatives from Nestlé, METRO, and other major end users will share firsthand experiences with natural refrigerant technologies, addressing both the challenges faced and the benefits realized. This panel aims to provide practical insights into the adoption and integration of sustainable solutions.
The summit will delve into the intersection of PFAS chemicals—often referred to as "forever chemicals"—and f-gas refrigerants. Professor Michael Kauffeld from Karlsruhe University will present research on PFAS in HVAC components and strategies for moving toward PFAS-free solutions. A dedicated panel will discuss the environmental and health impacts of HFOs and their degradation product, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), with contributions from experts at ChemSec and Deutsche Umwelthilfe.
Further, the summit will feature a session on the EU’s revised F-gas Regulation, including insights from policy leaders and environmental advocates, to outline the current regulatory landscape and its implications for the industry.
The event will conclude with the ATMO Awards/Europe ceremony, celebrating the efforts of companies and individuals who have made significant contributions to advancing natural refrigerant-based technologies and sustainable practices.
ATMO Europe 2024 promises to be an essential forum for industry professionals committed to innovation, environmental responsibility, and the future of sustainable refrigeration and cooling solutions.
