Natural refrigerants for future-proof systems in the EU
Stricter regulations in the European Union are increasing pressure on the refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump industry. The choice of refrigerant is therefore becoming a decisive factor for future-proof systems and long-term investments.
Natural refrigerants are becoming increasingly important due to their very low GWP values, high energy efficiency and long-term availability.
BITZER refrigerant recommendations for the EU market
Against this background, BITZER provides clear recommendations for the use of refrigerants in the EU market based on decades of experience. These recommendations take into account current regulatory developments, such as the F-gas Regulation, as well as practical technical and economic requirements.
Natural refrigerants: the first choice for new systems in the EU
BITZER recommends that customers serving the EU market use natural refrigerants for new systems wherever possible. Natural refrigerants such as CO₂ (R744), ammonia (R717) and propane (R290) are characterised by very low GWP values and long-term regulatory certainty. In addition, they will remain available throughout the entire service life of BITZER products.
Where this is not possible due to local regulations or a lack of qualified personnel, refrigerants with a GWP below 10 should be used. If this is not feasible either, a GWP below 150 should be regarded as the absolute limit. Fluorinated refrigerants are expected to be available only in limited quantities from 2030 onwards, which could reduce the service life of such systems. In addition, the ongoing PFAS debate could significantly reduce the number of available HFC and HFO refrigerants in the near future.
Regulatory developments: reduced availability of HFC refrigerants
In light of the accelerated phase-down of fluorinated refrigerants (HFCs) under the F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573, the industry must already prepare for significant restrictions.
Since January 2025, the first stricter measures have been in force, including reduced quotas and tighter GWP limits for refrigeration and air conditioning systems. Europe is therefore moving clearly towards minimising the use of fluorinated refrigerants.
Future PFAS restrictions and their implications
Potential PFAS restrictions under the EU REACH Regulation could further limit the range of available refrigerants.
A wide range of fluorinated refrigerants, including HFOs, could be affected. While the exact scope has not yet been finally defined, it represents an additional risk for long-term investment decisions.
Key characteristics of natural refrigerants
Natural refrigerants such as R744 (CO₂), R717 (ammonia) and R290 (propane) share the following characteristics:
- Ozone depletion potential (ODP): 0
- Global warming potential (GWP): < 10
- No dependence on F-gas quotas
- High energy efficiency
- Long-term regulatory certainty
Special characteristics of natural refrigerants in practical use
The use of natural refrigerants requires specific expertise, particularly with regard to safety classifications and system design.
Key considerations include:
- Hydrocarbons (e.g. R290, R600a): flammable (A3)
- CO₂ (R744): high operating pressures
- Ammonia (R717): toxic and mildly flammable (B2L)
The choice of refrigerant depends on the application, safety requirements, availability of qualified personnel and the regulatory environment.
| CO2 (R744) | Propane (R290) | Ammonia (R717) |
BITZER supports its customers in the use of natural refrigerants]
BITZER has decades of experience in the use of natural refrigerants and supports customers throughout the entire life cycle of their systems. In addition to extensive expertise and practical training, BITZER offers a broad portfolio of compressors and components for natural refrigerants. The Product Finder helps users identify suitable solutions by filtering products according to refrigerant and application
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BITZER has been developing components for natural refrigerants for decades – including ammonia since 1973, hydrocarbons since 1990 and CO₂ since 1998 – and continues to expand its portfolio.
Case studies demonstrate how natural refrigerants perform successfully across a wide range of applications. The BITZER in Action database provides an overview of implemented projects and real-world application examples.
Tools and training are available to support practical implementation:
Refrigerant Report
Always up to date: explore more than 130 refrigerants, including their properties, applications and regulatory requirements.
Ref Ruler app
App for the quick calculation of pressure, dew point and boiling temperatures. Includes refrigerant data, safety classifications, as well as information on GWP, ODP and compatible oils.
