As the primary source of direct emissions in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) industry, the right choice of refrigerant is crucial to reduce global warming. The publication provides an overview of the results of a pilot project in Costa Rica that introduced energy-efficient air conditioning systems using the natural refrigerant R-290.
GIZ and the Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), in collaboration with the Central American Integration System (SICA), developed a demonstration project to introduce ecoefficient air conditioning (AC) equipment that operates with ultra-low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants, such as R-290, and with high energy efficiency. In this regard, two strategies were implemented to facilitate the expansion of the market for split type AC equipment operating with R-290 refrigerants in Costa Rica. Firstly, a training program was developed. Secondly, a demonstration project with ACs using R-290 was established.
Mitigation potential and cost savings
R-290 has a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of only 0,072, while for example R-134a, one of the most used HFC refrigerants in split ACs, has a GWP of over 4000 (numbers updated 2024, according to IPCC’s 6th Assessment Report; 20 years time frame). This comparison only emphasizes the importance of the transformation from synthetic to natural refrigerants.
Based on the results of the intensive studies and the analysis of long-term energy monitoring, savings in operating costs were estimated for the eco-efficient equipment, compared to conventional equipment with the same or similar thermal capacity (BTU). Furthermore, a mitigation potential of 2.2 tons of CO2eq was estimated when comparing new technology with conventional equipment.
Read more about the activities and results in the publication.
Partners and Commissioners
This publication was co-financed by the European Union, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the German Ministry for Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety (BMU) in the context of the International Climate Initiative (IKI).
It was implemented by GIZ Proklima in collaboration with the Directorate of Environmental Quality Management (DIGECA) of Costa Rica's Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE), with the Central American Integration System (SICA) and with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). It’s content is GIZ’s responsibility only.