Natural refrigerants for future-proof systems in the EU
Stricter regulations in the European Union are increasing pressure on the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry. The choice of refrigerant is therefore becoming a decisive factor for future-proof systems and long-term investments.
Natural refrigerants are becoming increasingly important due to their very low GWP values, high energy efficiency and long-term availability.
BITZER Refrigerant recommendations
For the EU market
Against this background, BITZER provides clear recommendations for the use of refrigerants in the EU market based on decades of experience. These recommendations take into account current regulatory developments, such as the F-gas Regulation, as well as practical technical and economic requirements.
At a glance: key refrigerant recommendations for new and existing systems in the EU market:
New systems
| Recommendations for the EU market |
|---|
| Whenever possible, use natural refrigerants. |
| If this is not technically feasible, choose a refrigerant with a GWP below 10. |
| A GWP below 150 should be regarded as the absolute upper limit. |
Existing systems
| Recommendations for the EU market |
|---|
| Retrofit to a refrigerant with the lowest possible GWP, where technically and economically feasible. |
| Do not retrofit tight systems, as quota refrigerants are required. |
Natural refrigerants: the first choice for new systems in the EU
BITZER recommends that customers serving the EU market use natural refrigerants for new systems wherever possible. Natural refrigerants such as CO₂ (R744), ammonia (R717) and propane (R290) are characterised by very low GWP values and long-term regulatory certainty. In addition, they will remain available throughout the entire service life of BITZER products.
Where this is not possible due to local regulations or a lack of qualified personnel, refrigerants with a GWP below 10 should be used. If this is not feasible either, a GWP below 150 should be regarded as the absolute limit. Fluorinated refrigerants are expected to be available only in limited quantities from 2030 onwards, which could reduce the service life of such systems. In addition, the ongoing PFAS debate could significantly reduce the number of available HFC and HFO refrigerants in the near future.
Retrofit existing systems to low-GWP refrigerants wherever possible
For operators of existing systems, refrigerant availability plays a crucial role in maintenance, servicing and overall system lifetime. If refrigerant needs to be refilled in existing systems, a retrofit to a refrigerant with the lowest possible GWP is strongly recommended, if technically and economically feasible.
However, existing systems that are operating properly and are leak-tight should continue to be used, also to avoid unnecessary consumption of the already limited refrigerant quantities. This measure is necessary because, in our assessment, the significantly reduced HFC quantities due to the phase-down under the F-gas Regulation will in the near future no longer be sufficient to cover the demand for maintenance and repair of existing systems.
Regulatory developments:
Reduced availability of HFC refrigerants
In light of the accelerated phase-down of fluorinated refrigerants (HFCs) under the F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573, the industry must already prepare for significant restrictions.
Since January 2025, the first stricter measures have been in force, including reduced quotas and tighter GWP limits for refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Europe is therefore moving clearly towards minimising the use of fluorinated refrigerants.
Chat notes: Phase-down levels in percentage for fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gases) under the Montreal Protocol for four country groups. MP: Non-Article 5 Parties
Future PFAS restrictions and their implications
Potential PFAS restrictions under the EU REACH Regulation could further limit the range of available refrigerants.
A wide range of fluorinated refrigerants, including HFOs, could be affected. While the exact scope has not yet been finally defined, it represents an additional risk for long-term investment decisions.
Characteristics
Key characteristics of natural refrigerants
Natural refrigerants such as R744 (CO₂), R717 (ammonia) and R290 (propane) share the following characteristics:
- Ozone depletion potential (ODP): 0
- Global warming potential (GWP): < 10
- No dependence on F-gas quotas
- High energy efficiency
- Long-term regulatory certainty
Characteristics
Special characteristics of natural refrigerants in practical use
The use of natural refrigerants requires specific expertise, particularly with regard to safety classifications and system design.
Key considerations include:
- Hydrocarbons (e.g. R290, R600a): flammable (A3)
- CO₂ (R744): high operating pressures
- Ammonia (R717): toxic and mildly flammable (B2L)
The choice of refrigerant depends on the application, safety requirements, availability of qualified personnel and the regulatory environment.
Some natural refrigerants at a glance: CO₂, propane and ammonia
| CO2 (R744) | Propane (R290) | Ammonia (R717) |
|---|---|---|
| Non-flammable natural refrigerant (safety class A1) | Flammable (safety class A3) | Toxic and flammable under certain conditions (safety class B2L) |
| High volumetric cooling capacity | Wide operating range and high energy efficiency | Particularly economical for large-scale refrigeration systems |
| Operates at high pressures | Widely used in commercial refrigeration, heat pump and air conditioning applications | Primarily used in industrial refrigeration and large cold and frozen storage facilities |
| Widely used in commercial refrigeration, particularly in supermarkets and cold stores |
Tools and trainings
We support practical implementation
Ref Ruler app
App for the quick calculation of pressure, dew point and boiling temperatures. Includes refrigerant data, safety classifications, as well as information on GWP, ODP and compatible oils.
FAQ
Refrigerants and regulations: answers to common practical questions
