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To preemptively respond to international regulations restricting fluorinated greenhouse gases, the government is fully launching a comprehensive lifecycle technology development initiative for next-generation refrigerants.

The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Korea Environmental Industry & Technology Institute announced on the 21st that they will launch the "Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas Reduction Technology Development Project in Response to International Conventions" at the end of this June to curb fluorinated greenhouse gases by improving the management of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants.

Refrigerants are essential materials widely used in air conditioners, refrigerators, automobiles, semiconductor manufacturing processes, and cutting-edge industries such as data centers. As the United States and the European Union implement stringent regulations backed by quota systems, securing eco-friendly refrigerant technologies has become critical for not only conglomerates but also exporting mid-sized and small enterprises.

Hydrofluorocarbons, commonly used as refrigerants, were initially introduced as alternatives to ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). However, with a global warming potential (GWP) up to 12,400 times higher than that of carbon dioxide, they have been identified as a primary driver of climate change. Consequently, the international community designated HFCs as substances subject to phasedown regulations under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in 2016.

Specifically, the Ministry will develop high-performance recovery equipment that significantly accelerates refrigerant extraction speeds. The plan includes utilizing information and communications technology (ICT) to link recovered volumes with the Refrigerant Information Management System (RIMS) to ensure transparency in the recovery process. It also focuses on developing recycling technologies to purify mixed refrigerants to high purity for reuse, high-efficiency and low-cost destruction technologies, and quality evaluation techniques to enhance the reliability of recycled refrigerants.

Furthermore, in response to global regulations, investment will be directed toward technologies that facilitate transitioning to refrigerant substances with low global warming potential. This includes developing low-charge, high-efficiency heat pump technology and refrigerant leak detection and control systems to ensure that propane refrigerants can be safely utilized in multi-family housing, such as apartments.

"Refrigerants are essential materials underpinning core national strategic industries, including semiconductors and data centers," said Kim Jin-sik, Director General of the Air Quality Bureau at the Ministry. "By preemptively responding to tightening international refrigerant regulations and actively supporting the introduction of next-generation eco-friendly and recycled refrigerants, we will do our utmost to alleviate the burden on our domestic industry and establish a resilient refrigerant supply chain."

                                                                                                           Lee Jung-yeon