Regulations, sustainability, innovation

The transition toward low-environmental-impact refrigerants is profoundly transforming the HVAC/R industry.
New regulations, increasingly ambitious climate targets, and growing attention to sustainability are accelerating the adoption of alternatives to traditional refrigerants. In this context, propane (R290) is emerging as one of the most promising technologies for the future of air conditioning and industrial refrigeration. With a GWP of just 3 and zero ODP, it provides a tangible response to the environmental and regulatory challenges the market will face in the coming years.

A Market Driven by regulation

The evolution of refrigerants is not solely a technological matter. Recent revisions to the European F-Gas Regulation and the Kigali Amendment are driving a gradual phase-down of high-GWP HFCs, encouraging the adoption of natural refrigerants such as CO₂, ammonia, and propane.
At the same time, the international debate surrounding PFAS and the by-products associated with certain fluorinated refrigerants is prompting the entire industry to rethink its long-term strategies.

Why Propane (R290)?

Among the alternatives currently available, propane offers a particularly attractive combination of sustainability and efficiency.
Its key advantages include:

• Extremely low GWP (3)

• Zero ozone depletion potential (ODP)

• High energy efficiency

• Low refrigerant cost

• Compliance with future European regulatory requirements

These characteristics are making propane an increasingly popular choice for chillers, heat pumps, and small- to medium-capacity HVAC applications.

Beyond Sustainability: The Safety Challenge

The use of natural refrigerants requires a dedicated design approach.
As an A3-classified refrigerant, propane is highly flammable and requires specific precautions during the design, installation, and maintenance phases. For this reason, the white paper also explores installation requirements, applicable standards and regulations, ATEX requirements, leak detection systems, and best practices to ensure maximum operational safety.

The HiRef Perspective

The transition to natural refrigerants is not merely a matter of regulatory compliance; it represents a significant opportunity to improve system energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact throughout the entire lifecycle of HVAC installations.

Understanding regulatory developments, technological implications, and the opportunities offered by R290 means preparing today for the challenges that will shape the HVAC/R market in the years ahead.

Download the White Paper

Would you like to learn more about the evolution of refrigerants, the future potential of propane R290, and the requirements for safe and effective installation?
Download the white paper “R290 – The Future of Refrigerants” and discover how to prepare for the next generation of high-efficiency HVAC systems.