Daikin Europe (Daikin) unveiled its strategic approach to implementing Europe’s revised F-gas regulation (EU 2024/573) at the international trade fair Chillventa 2024.
The legislation, which came into effect in March 2024, accelerates the reduction of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) consumption, aiming to promote lower Global Warming Potential (GWP) refrigerants, reduce refrigerant charge and bolster the use of reclaimed refrigerants.
This move comes as the heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) sector faces mounting pressure to contribute to Europe’s decarbonisation efforts.
Bernard Dehertogh, Deputy General Manager DX at Daikin, stressed that the transition to cleaner alternatives requires ‘flexibility in refrigerant choices,’ as no single solution fits every application.
Daikin’s strategy centres on balancing safety, energy efficiency, environmental impact and cost over the lifecycle of HVAC-R systems. “To drive the much-needed decarbonisation in the building sector, we need flexibility,” Dehertogh added.
The updated regulation introduces stricter phase-down measures, expressed in CO2 equivalents, while implementing GWP limits for refrigerants in various applications.
Comparison of the permitted consumption of newly produced HFCs expressed in CO2 equivalents, between the 2014 F-gas regulation EU 517/2014 and updated F-gas regulation EU 2024/573. © Daikin
Systems using refrigerants that exceed these GWP thresholds will face market bans based on cut-off dates that vary by product type. However, Daikin reassured stakeholders that products already on the market can continue to be sold, installed, and serviced for their full operational lifespan.
For air-to-water heat pumps in residential buildings, Daikin transitioned to lower GWP refrigerants in 2017. By replacing R410A with R32, the company reduced GWP to 675—a move that has now become industry standard.
However, with a new GWP threshold of 150 taking effect in 2027, Daikin is preparing to launch propane-based (R290) systems. Although propane boasts an ultra-low GWP of 0.02, its highly flammable nature introduces installation challenges, particularly in dense urban settings.
Dehertogh explained that Daikin’s new hydrosplit heat pump aims to mitigate these risks by ensuring “only trained installers handle this equipment” through the company’s certification programme.
Beyond residential systems, Daikin is also researching alternative refrigerants like R454C (GWP 145.5), a mildly flammable option that offers lower GWP without compromising safety or efficiency.
The company sees R454C as a ‘strong alternative’ for installations where propane is not feasible, especially in apartment complexes or terraced houses where outdoor space is limited.
Example of cut-off dates for systems with a refrigerant with a GWP limit of 150 defined in the F-gas regulation EU 2024/573. © Daikin
Looking ahead, Daikin anticipates that CO2 (R744), an ultra-low GWP refrigerant already used in refrigeration, will play a critical role in the future of large commercial systems.
This refrigerant is considered a promising long-term option, with Dehertogh urging the industry to prepare for its adoption. “It’s time to think ahead,” he stated, emphasising the importance of energy efficiency and affordability as the phase-down progresses.
As the company continues its research, Dehertogh highlighted the need for ‘small steps’ to balance refrigerant properties with regulatory timelines.
He acknowledged that R32 will remain the dominant solution in the near term due to its cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency, while R290 and R454C will gradually gain market share as technology and infrastructure evolve.
Phasing-down
Companies across the HVAC-R industry are actively phasing down dangerous refrigerant gases to meet regulatory and environmental goals.
Outside Europe, US-based Honeywell is advancing its low-GWP Solstice® yf refrigerants, while Chemours is promoting its Opteon range for both commercial and residential applications.
UK firm Carrier is transitioning to R-454B in its commercial systems, which has a much lower GWP than traditional refrigerants like R-410A. American-Irish company Trane Technologies is focusing on ultra-low GWP refrigerants like R-1233zd, a gas developed by Chemours.
