Editor's Note: CR4 would like to thank Larry Butz of GEA Technology for contributing this blog entry.

Under the direction of the Montreal Protocol, the phase-out of CFCs and HCFCs is nearing completion and the ozone hole is beginning to heal. Developed countries have converted 77% of their HCFCs to what are now being called "high GWP" replacements including R-134a, 404A and 410A (1).

However, at the recent (OEWG) meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol, which has taken on responsibility for HFC controls (1), many phase-out plans which proposed to convert to HFC-410A and other high-GWP alternatives were either revised or rejected.

The march toward low GWP substances is unquestionable, leaving the "market leaders" with soon to be obsolete refrigerants, and developing (Article 5) countries now having Montreal Protocol funds being redirected from high GWP replacements to the new low GWP replacements leading to the unlikely scenario of developed countries having to play "catch up" by making a second investment in new refrigerants.

The pace of change is evidenced by the 2010 pledge of the Consumer Goods Forum (CGF), a body comprising over 650 retailers, manufacturers, service providers and other stakeholders from 70 countries, to not use HFC refrigerants in new equipment starting in 2015 (1).

Honeywell and DuPont recently announced a manufacturing joint venture to produce R-1234yf, which has 99.7 percent lower global warming potential (GWP) than the current refrigerant used in mobile AC, R-134a. Last month Honeywell announced a $33M investment to produce R-1234ze, another low GWP fluid for use as aerosol propellants, foam blowing agents and refrigerants in stationary air conditioning.

The US has made the largest investment in high GWP refrigerants having ignored and delayed the introduction of flammable refrigerants such as hydrocarbons and ammonia. Europe has focused more on GWP and therefore is ahead on the safe handling and installation of equipment using (low and moderately) flammable refrigerants. Chinese air conditioner manufacturer Gree Electric Appliances Inc announced the official opening last month of the production line for room air-conditioners running with natural refrigerant propane (R290). The production line will manufacture approximately 100,000 units (1) of hydrocarbon room air conditioners per year.

A different situation exists for mini-splits where China, the world's leading producer, has made a major commitment to R-410A to achieve and maintain its number one position. At the recent OEWG meeting China was given approval to continue with the implementation of R-410A but faces a dilemma in the choice of refrigerant for future mini-splits.