Refrigerant evolution: Tackling HFC to HFO transition challenges

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Refrigerant evolution: Tackling HFC to HFO transition challenges

Refrigerant evolution: Tackling HFC to HFO transition challenges

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Jan 09,24

The transition from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) is a crucial step in reducing the carbon footprint of the refrigeration and cooling industry. However, it is important to adopt a balanced approach that considers various factors, including GWP, leakage potential, indirect emissions, safety, and cost-effectiveness, says Wilson Lawrence

Refrigerant evolution: Tackling HFC to HFO transition challenges

Like the rest of the world, India faces environmental challenges ranging from resource depletion to pollution. Green engineering acts as a catalyst for sustainability, addressing these challenges head-on. By adopting eco-friendly practices like renewable energy, waste reduction, and optimised production processes, the manufacturing sector can significantly reduce its carbon footprint, align with the country's climate goals, and ensure a cleaner environment for future generations.

Green engineering: A deeper understanding of the concept and the global initiative

Embracing green engineering in manufacturing fosters innovation and technological advancement and positions companies at the forefront of global competitiveness. Investments in eco-friendly processes propel India as a hub for cutting-edge, sustainable manufacturing technologies, attracting investments, creating high-skilled jobs, and driving economic growth. Additionally, green engineering leads to long-term cost savings through the adoption of energy-efficient technologies and waste reduction, triggering a positive cycle of environmentally conscious production.

The government’s crucial role in incentivising green initiatives and enforcing sustainable practices is integral for a greener manufacturing sector. India's recent initiatives, including the accelerated transition from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) as refrigerants, showcase its emergence as a global leader in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainable practices.

A 2015 study by the UNEP Ozone Secretariat found that 65 per cent of global GWP-weighted HFC consumption in the RACHP market is for air-conditioning and heat pumps, while 35 per cent is for refrigeration. Notably, over 90 per cent of HFC use in refrigeration is concentrated in commercial and industrial systems. These figures highlight the critical role of HFCs in these industries and the significant potential impact of transitioning to more environment-friendly alternatives like HFOs.

The “Hero Move”: Transitioning from HFC to HFO and its impact

India’s urgency to shift from harmful HFCs to more environmentally friendly HFOs is highlighted by a compelling 2022 study published in “Nature Climate Change”. This study, titled "Rapid emissions growth of potent greenhouse gases in India necessitates urgent mitigation", analysed satellite data and revealed a startling 20 per cent increase in HFC emissions from India between 2009 and 2018. This alarming rise is attributed to the country's booming air conditioning and refrigeration sectors, which heavily rely on HFCs.

The study emphasises the detrimental impact of HFCs on the environment. These synthetic gases are thousands of times more potent than carbon dioxide in trapping heat, making them more contributors to climate change. Additionally, HFCs are potent ozone-depleting substances, posing a threat to the Earth's protective ozone layer.

The transition to HFOs is an environmental imperative but also presents significant economic opportunities. Adopting HFOs will enable India to comply with its international obligations under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to phase down HFC production and consumption. This compliance will demonstrate India’s commitment to green technologies, potentially attracting further investments.

HFC to HFO: Impact of transition on a national and global front

The transition requires a collaborative effort from various stakeholders, including the government, industry leaders, and research institutions. It involves the whole industrial chain's cooperation from upstream to downstream, and enterprise also plays a crucial role. Policy measures such as financial incentives for HFO adoption, phase-out schedules for HFCs, and technician capacity-building programs will facilitate a smooth transition. Research and development efforts should focus on developing innovative HFO technologies and exploring alternative cooling solutions.

The research study serves as a wake-up call for India to take immediate action toward transitioning from HFCs to HFOs. By embracing this transition, India can not only safeguard its environment but also unlock new economic opportunities and contribute to global climate action. The time for action is now.

A recent case in India using HFO refrigerant in chillers (HFO 1233zd(E), HFO 514A, GWP < 2) has proven the energy efficiency advantage up to 13 per cent from baseline (HFC 134a) has given confidence to the industry in transitioning to HFOs.

Globally, HFC production and consumption have started to decline. The International Energy Agency estimates that HFC consumption peaked in 2018 and is projected to decline by 85% by 2030. This decline can be attributed to development of commercially viable HFO alternatives, particularly for stationary air conditioning and refrigeration applications. Major manufacturers have announced HFC phase-out plans and actively invest in HFO technologies.

Policies like ICAP (India Cooling Action Plan) chapter 8 focus on government initiatives for R&D on LGWP alternatives to HFC. The government has taken several key actions in India to meet its HFC reduction goals under the Kigali Amendment. These actions include:

Developing a National HFC Phase-out Plan: This plan outlines a roadmap for transitioning from HFCs to HFOs, including refrigerant quotas, phase-out schedules, and financial incentives for HFO adoption.
Government and industry bodies like BIS (Bureau of Indian standards) are working to harmonise international standards with Indian standards like ISO /IEC 60334-2-40, the guideline for implementing A2L refrigerant that can pave way to usage of HFOs
Promoting HFO Technology: The government has established a dedicated HFO task force to promote research and development of HFO technologies and support the transition for Indian manufacturers.
Training and Certification Programs: The government and NSDC (National Skill Development Corporation) provide training programs for technicians and engineers on safely handling and servicing HFO-based equipment.
Financial Incentives: The government offers financial incentives such as subsidies and tax breaks to encourage the adoption of HFO technologies by companies and individuals.

Challenges and continuing momentum

These actions have resulted in a growing momentum for HFC phase-out in India. The Indian HFC market is projected to reach almost $1 billion by 2027, with HFOs accounting for an increasing share. While challenges remain, India is demonstrating significant progress towards its HFC phase-out goals and contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

Building on this momentum and meeting the ambitious 2036 target will require sustained collaboration between government, industry, and civil society. Further efforts are needed in policy enforcement, capacity building, and public awareness campaigns to ensure a successful and sustainable transition to a low-GWP future.

India’s strategy to shift from HFCs to HFOs relies on various interconnected initiatives. Financial incentives support industries in adopting HFO technologies, while awareness programs educate stakeholders about the environmental impact of HFCs versus the benefits of HFOs.

Promoting HFO technologies involves investing in R&D for next-gen solutions and encouraging domestic manufacturing to reduce import reliance and create eco-friendly jobs. Building a robust market infrastructure ensures accessibility to HFO-based equipment and trained professionals.

Internationally, collaboration with developed nations shares best practices in phasing down HFCs and embracing HFOs. India also aids developing countries, sharing its expertise for Kigali Amendment compliance.

Moving forward: A balanced approach to refrigerant transition

The transition from HFCs to HFOs is a crucial step in reducing the carbon footprint of the refrigeration and cooling industry. However, it is important to adopt a balanced approach that considers various factors, including GWP, leakage potential, indirect emissions, safety, and cost-effectiveness.

In addition to HFOs, other low-GWP alternatives like ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons are also being explored, and the optimal choice may depend on the specific application. Continuous research and development are needed to further reduce refrigerants' environmental impact and ensure a sustainable future for the cooling and heating industry.

Conclusion: India’s green leadership paves the way

India's embrace of green engineering in manufacturing is a pivotal force, tackling issues of resource scarcity and environmental degradation head-on. The deliberate transition from HFCs to environment-friendly HFOs, spotlighted by the Kigali Amendment, underscores India's steadfast dedication to global environmental stewardship. Through a focus on minimizing environmental footprints across product lifecycles, this approach not only nurtures sustainability but also propels technological innovations and curtails enduring operational expenses. The incentivization of eco-conscious endeavours further underscores India's unwavering pledge toward a more sustainable tomorrow.

About the author:

Wilson Lawrence leads the Global Engineering and Technology Centers of Trane Technologies located in Bangalore and Chennai. In this role, he is leading a team of 700+ engineering professionals to drive product innovation and development for the company’s business across the globe. He and his team are credited for integrating new age technologies in the HVAC and transport segment for better efficiency.