Development of refrigeration and air-conditioning technologies for practical use of next-generation low-global warming potential refrigerants
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and Japan’s Act on Rational Use and Appropriate Management of Fluorocarbons call for an accelerated transition to next-generation refrigerants with low global warming potential (GWP). However, many low-GWP refrigerants are flammable, and their safe handling involves significant technical and social costs. To address these challenges, Japan aims to develop refrigerants that combine sufficiently low GWP, low flammability (A2L classification), and high energy efficiency. Supported by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), a national R&D program entitled Development of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Technologies for Practical Use of Next- Generation Low-GWP Refrigerants (JPNP23001) was launched in 2023. This five-year project involves collaboration among universities, national laboratories, and industry partners. The program integrates four parallel research themes: (1) screening and characterization of low-GWP refrigerant blends, (2) evaluation and mitigation of chemical instability and self-decomposition risks, (3) development of key components and materials to maintain high system performance, and (4) establishment of performance evaluation methods and safety standards. Through these activities, the project aims to accelerate the safe commercialization and international standardization of low-GWP refrigerants for air-conditioning and refrigeration systems, contributing to global decarbonization efforts and the sustainable growth of the HVAC industry.