Producing cold with low-carbon solutions

Refrigeration systems, most of which are based on the evaporation of a fluid – called refrigerant – followed by the compression and condensation of the vapour formed, contribute to greenhouse gas emissions in two ways:

• emissions of refrigerants into the atmosphere as a result of leaks or handling during maintenance or when the plant is shut down permanently;

• a contribution associated with the electrical energy consumption of the compressor and auxiliaries such as pumps and fans.

For several years now, a number of regulatory requirements have applied to the cold production business, and these are likely to impose new constraints in the years to come.