Market well prepared for widespread uptake of natural refrigerants -ATMOsphere Europe 2015

By Janaina Topley Lira, Mar 19, 2015, 17:17 4 minute reading

ATMOpshere Europe returned to Brussels for its 6th, and largest edition on the 16 & 17 March. Attended by 230 participants, and supported by Platinum Sponsor Carrier and Gold Sponsors Mayekawa, Advansor, Epta and Sanden, the event featured 60 international speakers, who presented on the very latest natural refrigerant trends in and around Europe. With new technologies to improve the efficiency of CO2 in warm ambient climates, and increased investment in training, the market is alr

Over the coming week R744.com will report on the key messages heard at ATMOsphere Europe 2015, focusing in particular on CO2 in commercial refrigeration and heat pumps. Whilst presentations from leading supermarkets, such as Carrefour, Delhaize, Auchan Super Spain, Modelo Continente Hipermercados and METRO AG, and system suppliers SCM Frigo, Enex, Advansor, Green & Cool, and Epta, illustrate the vast progress in adoption of CO2 since the last ATMOsphere Europe in 2013, Sanden, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, boostHEAT and ENEA showcased CO2 heat pump solutions that could dramatically change the domestic and commercial heating market.

EU F-Gas Regulation and national legislation creating further opportunities for natural refrigerants: With the new EU F-Gas Regulation in effect since January 2015, ATMOsphere Europe 2015 held on 16 – 17 March in Brussels, provided a timely platform for key policymakers, industry representatives and stakeholders to exchange views and updates on its implementation. Government representatives from France, Germany and Denmark presented about the next steps foreseen in the national legislation that will further restrict the use of HFCs and promote the use of natural refrigerant solutions.

ATMOsphere Europe market trends part 1: efficient solutions for southern Europe on the rise, doubters proved wrong: The message from ATMOsphere Europe 2015 was clear: the CO2 market in the EU is still in its ascendency. Although yet to reach its peak due to limitations in training as well as full acceptance as a solution for southern Europe, all trends are pointing to these barriers being overcome in the near future. The supply of CO2 transcritical systems continues to grow, with new players entering the market, and new technologies are increasing efficiency in warm ambient climates.

CO2 efficiency equator moves further south by grace of ejector technology: The continually diminishing CO2 efficiency equator was a hot topic at ATMOsphere Europe 2015. Several system manufacturers presented the methods by which CO2 transcritical system efficiency can be improved, with ejector technology taking the spotlight. According the several presenters the end of the so-called “CO2 equator” is in sight.

ATMOsphere Europe 2015 highlights the need for further cooperation on the road towards a global phase down of HFCs: ATMOsphere Europe 2015 provided a platform for key stakeholders from Europe, North America and Japan to discuss the road to a global phase-down of HFCs. Whilst Europe’s leading role was clearly indicated - particularly since the enactment of the EU F-Gas Regulation in January 2015 - what particularly came to the fore was the need for a more balanced debate – both between developed and developing countries, and the many industries involved in the discussions. + VIDEO

Responsible retailing strategies highlight CO2 cooling in the Mediterranean at ATMOsphere Europe: As climate change continues to permeate political and social dialogue, an increasing number of food retailers are working to green their corporate image and take the lead in engaging in more sustainable practices. Refrigeration consumes a considerable amount of energy and contributes substantially to greenhouse gas emissions. At ATMOsphere Europe 2015, supermarket giants Carrefour, Delhaize and SONAE MC discussed their use of lean, green, GHG-cutting refrigeration machines.

Suppliers wising up with CO2 CVS solutions and full system integration: It was clear at ATMOEurope 2015 that suppliers and end users alike are already charting new territory in order to maximise overall system and building energy efficiency. Integrated CO2 refrigeration systems for CVS layouts from Carel and EPTA Deutschland, CO2 condensing units and the need to scale down solutions for smaller formats were all on topic.

ATMOsphere Europe 2015: Major retailers opt for CO2 as standard refrigerant: The Food Retailer Panel at ATMOsphere Europe 2015 gathered leading end users, amongst them Metro AG, the Delhaize Group, and Ahold, each of which has opted to invest in natural refrigerants for all new stores. With over 500 CO2 transcritical and hybrid installations between them, these retailers are convinced that CO2 is the best refrigerant solution for new stores and refurbishments. + VIDEO

ATMOsphere Europe 2015: industrial and transport CO2 refrigeration ‘firsts’ in Europe: 2014 was an important year of ‘firsts’ for CO2 in terms of the refrigerant being applied in a wider range of applications in Europe, including transport, ice rinks, the HORECA food service sector, and more. The sixth annual ATMOsphere Europe 2015 conference heard from the technology providers and contractors of these projects, including Carrier Transicold, Green & Cool, Green Cooling, Thermo King and AF Consulting. + VIDEO

Advanced R744 heat pump solutions for the European market ‘firsts’ in Europe: ATMOsphere Europe 2015 provided a platform for the latest heat pump innovations including ENEA’s joint case study on a heat pump with a unique two-cylinder compressor, designed to cater for the European market. boostHEAT showcased its integrated heat pump/boiler solution while Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Sanden outlined the increased migration of their products from Asia to Europe.


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By Janaina Topley Lira

Mar 19, 2015, 17:17




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