The global equipment market for industrial refrigeration systems is growing at rate of 4.78% a year. It is expected to reach $24.48bn by 2024, up from $18.49bn in 2018, according to MarketsandMarkets™.
The shift toward natural refrigerant-based systems, which include carbon dioxide (CO2), ammonia, and hydrocarbons, is being pushed by regulations being promulgated worldwide that seek to phase out refrigerants with high Global Warming Potential (GWP), such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and those with ozone depletion potential such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). According to Scott Martin, Director of Business Development and Industry Relations for Hillphoenix, a US company that designs, engineers, and manufactures custom systems for cold storage and freezing, “With its GWP of one, CO2 refrigeration systems stand to play a leading role in the shift away from HFC refrigerants.”
So why is there relatively slow adoption of CO2 refrigeration technology in the US? The inability of the US government to pass or enforce clear and meaningful regulations is a big reason, but other factors come into play as well. The North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC) notes that in addition to codes and standards, the availability of trained contractors and service technicians, utilities and energy efficiency, and return on investment are all areas that need to be addressed to speed up the adoption of natural refrigerants.
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