At AWE 2026 in Shanghai, the spotlight turned to the future of green cooling as industry leaders gathered to accelerate the transition toward fluorine-free air conditioning. A high-level panel featuring GIZ Proklima highlighted international cooperation and technological innovation as key drivers of this transformation.
On March 12, the China Appliance and Consumer Electronics Expo (AWE 2026) opened in Shanghai under the theme “AI Technology, Smart Future,” convening policymakers, industry leaders, and international organizations to explore the next phase of smart and sustainable home appliances. During the exhibition, JD.com released its 2026 air conditioning strategy and launched a joint initiative to promote fluorine-free air conditioners, signaling a shift toward higher-quality, more sustainable consumption patterns in China’s rapidly evolving cooling market.
A key highlight of the event was the expert panel discussion, where GIZ joined representatives from academia, government, and leading manufacturers to exchange views on policy frameworks, technological pathways, and market readiness for green cooling. The discussion emphasized the growing importance of natural refrigerants such as R290, which are widely recognized as a viable and climate-friendly alternative to conventional HFC-based solutions. Panelists also noted that while technological readiness has significantly improved, scaling up market adoption will require stronger consumer awareness, supportive policies, and closer collaboration across the value chain.
The dialogue further underscored that advancing fluorine-free air conditioning is not only essential for meeting international climate commitments, but also represents a strategic opportunity for the industry to move from efficiency-driven competition toward comprehensive sustainability. In this context, international cooperation—particularly through platforms like GIZ—continues to play a crucial role in facilitating knowledge exchange, supporting demonstration projects, and aligning China’s transition with global best practices. The event ultimately demonstrated how coordinated efforts between public and private stakeholders can accelerate the deployment of green technologies and contribute to a more sustainable and innovation-driven future for the cooling sector.