The future-proof approach
Natural refrigerants such as CO₂, ammonia and propane are rapidly gaining in importance in industrial refrigeration. The reason lies in their very low or non-existent global warming potential (GWP) – and in the European F-Gas Regulation, which is imposing ever stricter restrictions on climate-damaging synthetic refrigerants (F-gases / HFCs).
Anyone planning or modernising a refrigeration system today will find that natural refrigerants are a a sound investment and an environmentally friendly choice: regardless of declining HFC quotas, offering high efficiency and excellent suitability for heat recovery.
The three most important
A1 — non-flammable, non-toxic
Carbon dioxide is the reference refrigerant: its global warming potential (GWP) of 1 defines the scale. It is non-flammable and non-toxic, but operates at high pressures and delivers high volumetric cooling capacity.
Typical areas of application
B2L — toxic, highly flammable
For over a hundred years, ammonia has been the most efficient refrigerant used in industrial refrigeration — with a GWP of 0 and no ozone-depleting potential. As it is toxic and flammable in higher concentrations, it requires a well-thought-out safety and system design.
Typical areas of application
A3 — flammable, non-toxic
Propane offers outstanding thermodynamic properties and very high efficiency, with a GWP of 0.02. As a flammable refrigerant, it is used safely through charge limit measures and an appropriate safety concept.
Typical areas of application
GWP = Global Warming Potential (100 years; CO₂ = 1 as a reference) in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/573, Annex VI, based on the Sixth IPCC Assessment Report. Older sources cite a value of 3 for propane, taken from the Fourth Assessment Report. Safety classes in accordance with ASHRAE 34 / DIN EN 378.
The EU’s F-Gas Regulation is gradually reducing the available supply of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and restricting the use of refrigerants with a high GWP in new systems. For operators, this means rising prices and declining availability of synthetic refrigerants – coupled with increasing legal and planning uncertainty.
Natural refrigerants are not affected by this shortage. They ensure the long-term operation of the systems and make investments future-proof – a key consideration right from the planning stage.
At a glance
Very low to no global warming potential – a direct contribution to reducing CO₂ emissions.
Regardless of the F-gas shortage – long-term availability and investment security.
Excellent thermodynamic properties – low operating costs and good heat recovery.
Technology that has been tried and tested for decades – reliable in use when combined with the right safety concept.
KSI Kältetechnik designs, builds and maintains industrial refrigeration systems using natural refrigerants – from energy-efficient design and system construction through to 24/7 service.
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