Brussels, 23 May 2017: As the HVAC&R sector around the world grapples with regulatory pressure to reduce HFC consumption, the summer edition of Accelerate Europe looks at how early adopters of natural refrigerant-based solutions – among manufacturers and end users alike – have inspired others to make the transition.
Swiss multinational Nestlé began replacing its CFC and HCFC systems with ammonia in 1986. Today, its commitment to adopting natural refrigerants for HVAC&R applications wherever possible remains consistent and firm. For our cover story, Accelerate Europe visited company headquarters to hear from refrigeration team leader Vincent Grass how a succession of inspirational individuals have helped to bring natural-refrigerant technologies and know-how to new parts of the world.
Another Swiss giant, the Coop Group, is putting natural refrigerants at the heart of its strategy for becoming CO2-neutral by 2023. At its new ammonia-cooled production site in the suburbs of Basel, the retailer produces chocolate, wine and foodstuffs for sale in its own stores and for export worldwide.
Accelerate Europe was in Düsseldorf in March for EuroShop, the world’s biggest retail trade fair, with some 113,000 visitors and 2,368 exhibitors. It was clear that natural refrigerants CO2 and hydrocarbons have already become the main focus for commercial refrigeration manufacturers in Europe.
Our technology section considers how heat pumps must become more efficient, have a low environmental impact and be economical to buy if they are to become more successful. Propane heat pumps meet all these requirements. This issue’s special feature looks at what can be done to boost their uptake.
Slowly but surely, the European vending sector is also looking to natural refrigerants as a means of complying with the EU F-Gas Regulation. At Vending Paris, some manufacturers had already begun adopting or testing hydrocarbon and CO2-based vending machines and bottle coolers.
Features on the world’s first water-refrigerant turbo chiller, AHT Cooling Systems’ commitment to propane for retail cabinets, and a policy update from Denmark rank among other highlights of this edition of Accelerate Europe.
For all this and more, click here to read the summer edition of Accelerate Europe online.
About shecco
For the last 16 years, market accelerator shecco has been active in helping bring climate friendly technologies faster to market. shecco supports over 100 partners worldwide in the HVAC&R sector, where the focus is on sustainable refrigeration, heating & cooling technologies using natural refrigerants. shecco offers a variety of services in three areas: 1) media, including online industry platforms, magazines and a catalog of dedicated research reports; 2) market development, including market research, consultancy and public affairs services, as well as special international projects; and 3) events, including international conferences and national workshops.
Contact
| Andrew Williams
Editor Accelerate Europe Accelerate Australia & NZ andrew.williams@shecco.eu |
