Alternatives to HFCs: Path to a Sustainable Future

Mark W. RobertsInternational Policy Advisor

Environmental Investigation Agency

Joint SEAP & SA Networks of ODS Officers Paro, Bhutan

Accelerated HCFC Phase-out Schedules

Assumption of BAU Replacement Pattern of HCFC Consumption by HFC Consumption Adopted for Developing Countries

Compound Consumption R-404A R-410A HFC-134a HFC-245fa Not-in-kind

HCFC-22 66.5% 35% 55% 10%

HCFC-141b 30.0% 50% 50%

HCFC-142b 3.5% 50% 50%

Total HFC consumption 23% 37% 2% 15% 23%

Conclusion: Velder’s et al. predicted 77% Conversion from HCFCs to HFCs as Article 5 countries phase out HCFCs based upon the observed conversions in non-Article 5 countries.

Compound Use Atm. Lifetime GWP GWP

(100 Yr) (20 Yr)HFC-23 Waste gas/Refrig 243

14,800 12,000HFC-32 Refrigerant 4.9

675 2,330HFC-125 Refrigerant 29

3,500 6,350HFC-134a Multi-use 13.6

1,430 3,830 HFC-141b Foam 9.3

750 2,250HFC-142b Foam 17.9

2,310 5,490HFC-152a Ref. and Foam 1.5

190 1,100HFC-245fa Foam 7.6 1,030 3,380HFC-404A Refrigerant AC 34.2

3,922 6.010HFC-407c Refrigerant AC & T

1774 4,115HFC-410a Refrigerant AC >33

2,088 4,340

GWP of Common HFCs

Two Long-term Options for Eliminating HFCs

1. Using fluorine-free substances with low or zero-GWP. The major proven low-GWP alts include:

Ammonia GWP - 0

Hydrocarbons such as propane, isobutane, propylene, and pentane GWP <4

Methyl Formate, Methylal GWP <25

Dimethyl ether GWP - 1

Water

CO2 - 1

Others

Two Long-term Options for Eliminating HFCs, Con’t

2. Not in kind alternatives, alternative methods and processes, examples include:

Roll-ons, pump sprays and other alternates to aerosols

Fiber insulation materials

Dry-powder asthma inhalers

Building designs that avoid the need for air conditioning

Barriers to Use of Low-GWP Alternatives

Many low-GWP alternatives are currently in use, but there are some barriers to use in some sectors, such as:

Regulations that prohibit use of flammable or toxic alternatives

Insufficient supply of components

Increased investment costs

Lack of trained technicians

But the current use of low-GWP alternatives shows that these can be overcome

Denmark has banned all HFCs and still continues to have one of the highest standards of living in the world

HFOs and Mid-Range GWP HFCs: Secondary Choices

HFOs: e.g., HFC-1234yf, HFC-1234ezPriceSupplyCurrent production of HFC-1234yf uses HCFC-22 and

produces HFC-23 resulting in either bogus credits or climate impact

Going through EU REACH evaluation where these questions will be studied.

Energy Efficiency of Natural Refrigerants in Certain Sectors

Refrigerants can have two distinct climate impacts:Direct emissionsIndirect emissions from energy use, over

the life of the equipment the indirect impact may be larger

Best combination is low-GWP alternative with high energy efficiency

High energy efficiency can also off-set higher initial capital costs

HFOs and Mid-Range GWP HFCs: Secondary Choices

Mid-level GWP e.g. HFC-32 and HFO/HFC blendsBetter than high-GWP HFCs such as HFC-410aHigher climate impact to climate particularly where 20 year

GWP is used. For example, HFC-32 has an atmospheric life of only 4.9 years so even a 20 year GWP under estimates its climate impact and the 20 year GWP is 2,330 more than HCFC-22

Will need to be phased out eventually, disrupting industry againGood temporary transition if no other choice, however, better to

transition to low-GWP alternative or in another sector where low-GWP alternatives exist

MLF Pioneering Commercialization Of Low-GWP Alternatives

Foam Blowing: Cyclopentane, other hydrocarbons, CO2 (water), supercritical CO2, methyl formate, methylal and CO2/hydrocarbon blends.

Solvents: Iso-paraffin, siloxane (KC-6), water-based

Window Air Conditioners: Propane

Low-GWP Alternatives Available for Supermarkets: HFC-Free Possible

Self Contained Units: Propane, isobutene, hydrocarbon blends and CO2

Condensing Units: CO2 (EU and Japan)

Rack Systems: CO2, glycol, trans-critical CO2 and cascade systems with CO2 and ammonia

Central plants: ammonia and ammonia/CO2, water distributed system using HCs or CO2

Packaged systems: ammonia and CO2 work but increase costs at present, can be replaced by rack or central plant systems

Refrigerated Transport Systems: CO2 and hydrocarbons (EU)

Energy Efficiency in the Refrigeration Sector

Domestic refrigeration: Isobutane standard for refrigerators and freezers in EU and has a 10-30% higher efficiency than HFC-134a and also reduces noise level

Retail Stand-alone units: HC-290 10-25% higher energy efficiency than HFC unit.

CO2 can have slightly better energy efficiency in moderate and indoor climates

Energy Efficiency Savings in Refrigeration Sector

Industrial refrigeration: Ammonia systems generally 15% more efficient than their HFC counterparts.

A replacement of a 3.2 MW HCFC-22 system for ammonia resulted in a 40% reduction in energy consumption, new plant utilizes heat recovery and water heating by a heat pump resulting in a 1.4 million British pound annual savings. Payback time 2.7 years.

Proven Low-GWP AlternativesFoams

Polyurethane foam: Rigid - CO2, supercritical CO2, hydrocarbons, methyl formate, methylal

Polyurethane foam: Flexible – CO2, hydrocarbons, methyl formate

Extruded polyurethane boardstock: CO2, hydrocarbons and blends, inert gases,

Current and Potential Low-GWP alternatives-Air Conditioning

Heat Pumps: CO2, ammonia, hydrocarbons

Unitary AC (ducted and non-ducted): hydrocarbons, CO2 combined systems

Window units: hydrocarbons and CO2

Packaged Terminal AC: hydrocarbons, ammonia and CO2

Chillers: Ammonia and hydrocarbons

Drivers of the Development of New Low-GWP Alternatives

EU F-gas Review – Phase-down likely

Short Lived Climate Pollutant Initiative

Consumer Goods Forum Pledge – HFC-free (including HFOs) in new equipment starting 2015

National Laws: Denmark, India

HFC Amendment ProposalsSNAP Program

Benefits of Leapfrogging HFCsThere are substantial market opportunities both as Article 2 countries engage in secondary transitions out of HFCs due to their climate impacts and as Article 5 countries make there initial transitions away from HCFCs.

Consuming Article 5 countries can avoid the cost and disruption to their industries of yet another phase-out by transitioning directly from HCFCs to low-GWP or not-in-kind alternatives.

Mark W. RobertsSenior Counsel and International Policy AdviserThe Environmental Investigation Agency

122 Kirkland DriveStow, Massachusetts 01775Tel: +1.978.298.5705Cell: +1.617.722.8222markroberts@eia-global.org