Phasing out synthetic refrigerants
How to switch to natural refrigerants?
Use of natural refrigerants.
Many Belgian companies still use industrial cooling systems with synthetic refrigerants. This is set to change gradually. The European F-Gas Regulation restricts the use of these synthetic refrigerants. Common HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons) often have a very high Global Warming Potential (GWP), contributing significantly to climate change.
Consequently, synthetic refrigerants will become more expensive and less available over time. Switching to natural refrigerants can be technically challenging but helps companies save costs and is a clear step towards the energy transition.
What does the F-Gas Regulation entail?
Would you like more information or advice?
Impact on prices
and availability
Due to production limits, prices for synthetic refrigerants have already increased sharply since 2017 and will keep rising. The biggest challenge is availability: refrigerants may soon not always be in stock. Once the annual quota is used up early in the year, suppliers and installers cannot meet further demand.
Still using R404A or R507?
Given the regulations, price uncertainties, and synthetic refrigerant shortages, planning your transition is essential. Natural refrigerants like CO₂, propane, and ammonia offer sustainable alternatives, ensuring compliance with EU laws and independence from non-European producers.
What are your options?
Keep running existing systems
Well-maintained, leak-free systems can operate reliably for 15 to 20 years, allowing longer-term budgeting for replacement. This option is less suitable when cooling is critical, as leaks might cause long outages if refrigerants are unavailable.
Conversion
Sometimes it is possible to modify your existing installation for a different refrigerant, by replacing certain components. This is suitable for larger, well-maintained installations, although capacity loss is inevitable.
New build / Replacement
More and more new cooling systems operate on natural refrigerants. This solution is eco-friendly and very energy efficient. It also prepares you for upcoming stricter regulations.
Benefits of natural refrigerants
Financial support for businesses
Belgium’s three regions support green investments:
The Ecologiepremie+ subsidy supports geothermal energy, recovery of waste heat, and expansion energy in cooling systems.
Grants for sustainable energy investments and modifications (including refrigeration) to meet EU standards.
Premiums to reduce companies’ energy use or cover energy audit costs.
At the federal level, enhanced investment deductions for energy-saving measures further facilitate sustainable business practices.
References
Get inspired by companies switching to natural refrigerants
Sligro Food Group
Sligro built a new sustainable distribution centre in Evergem to better serve its growing customer base. The focus was on minimising CO₂ emissions, with innovative cold stores and freezer rooms using natural refrigerants and heat recovery.
Equans was responsible for the design, installation and maintenance of the technical solutions. Among other things, several large cold and freezer rooms were constructed that operate on CO₂ and reuse residual heat to heat other areas.
- Two large cold stores (1,670 and 4,565 m²)
- Deep-freeze room of approx. 800 m² (-25°C)
- Cooling using a natural refrigerant (CO₂) with heat recovery
WFT Wolfcarius
WFT Wolfcarius, a fast-growing family business in the fruit sector, wanted to expand its production capacity without incurring rising energy costs or increasing CO₂ emissions. To this end, the company invested in a sustainable and scalable refrigeration system that can grow alongside the organisation.
Equans designed and installed a centralised refrigeration system using ammonia (NH₃), a natural and energy-efficient refrigerant. The modular system delivers lower energy costs, a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions and a future-proof solution.
- 25–30% energy savings
- 2,285 kW cooling capacity using ammonia
- 36 air coolers and 229 fans
Download our brochure
Want to learn more about phasing out synthetic refrigerants?
Why Equans?
We guide you through opportunities linked to the phase-out of synthetic refrigerants. With our expertise in natural refrigerants, we deliver solutions tailored to your business.
Frequently asked questions about phasing out synthetic refrigerants
Do you have questions about our natural refrigerants solutions & phasing out synthetic refrigerants? We're here to make everything clear and easy to understand.
Can’t find the answer you’re looking for?
A European regulation of fluorinated greenhouse gases to reduce emissions and phase out HFC refrigerants.
Synthetic gases used as refrigerants, with a strong greenhouse effect.
Global Warming Potential - a measure of how much heat a greenhouse gas traps compared to CO₂.
Hydrofluorocarbons, synthetic refrigerants with high GWP regulated under the F-Gas rules.
Companies using refrigeration and air conditioning systems with F-gases.
By designing or adapting systems considering safety and efficiency.
Costs vary by system size and type; investments are often offset by savings and subsidies.
Yes, provided systems are correctly installed and maintained following regulations and best practices.
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Ready to make the switch?
