Low GWP R32 poised to dominate global air conditioning market
The lower GWP refrigerant R32 will command 80% of the total splits market
The lower global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant R32 will command 80% of the total market for split air conditioning systems by 2023, according to a new report from BSRIA.
It showed that the market for air conditioning and heat pumps with capacities of up to 50kW rose to £11.5bn and that demand for lower GWP refrigerants was starting to gather pace. R410A remains the most commonly used gas, but R32 had increased its market share to around 37% of all split systems – and that is expected to accelerate to 80% over the next three years.
“For scroll chillers, the shift is mainly from R410A to R32 and, to a lesser extent, R290. For screw chillers, the shift is mainly from using R134A to R1234ze, and, to a lesser extent R513A, especially for refits, where it is likely to be used for a further five to six years,” BSRIA said.
It added that smaller capacity systems were moving rapidly towards R32. However, because of its moderate flammability, it is more risky to use R32 in large volumes in buildings.
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