World News

Industry news and insights from Europe and around the World

UK News

Latest news and developments in the United Kingdom

Products

Keep up-to-date with the latest new products and technology

Features

General articles, applications and industry analysis

Panasonic to launch R454C Aquarea

ITALY: Panasonic will introduce a new version of its Aquarea heat pump, designed for the lower GWP refrigerant R454C. 

With a promised launch in early 2027, the Aquarea N Series will complement its R290 and R32 versions.

With a GWP of 148, R454C is an A2L blend of R32 and 1234yf. 

Panasonic says that the introduction of the Aquarea N, which will be entirely manufactured in Europe, reflects its ongoing transition toward low‑impact alternatives.

As well as offering a GWP below 150, R454C provides a balance of high efficiency, low climate impact and A2L‑class safety. It is suited to those buildings where refrigerant connection fits the building requirements and brings greater flexibility in installation environments.

Latest News

11th October 2026

Carrier cooler protects building workers

JAPAN: Construction workers building Tokyo’s Torch Tower, Japan’s tallest building, are being kept cool thanks to a temporary cooling system jointly developed by Carrier Japan.
11th October 2026

MHI expands sales of high temp heat pump

JAPAN: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries is expanding sales of its high-temperature ETI-W series centrifugal heat pump to overseas markets.
10th October 2026

Solstice plans $49m investment in refrigerant R&D

USA: Refrigerant manufacturer Solstice has announced plans to invest $49m in an expansion of R&D capabilities at its Buffalo, New York, facility.
10th October 2026

US AC and HP shipments up 11.4%

USA: US shipments of central air conditioners and air-source heat pumps totalled 756,739 units in August, an increase of 11.4% on August 2025.
9th October 2026

Hybrid heat pumps – the new Dutch standard

NETHERLANDS: The Dutch government wants homeowners to switch to a smart and hybrid heat pump from 2029 when replacing their central heating boiler.
9th October 2026

Beijer Ref completes Refra purchase

SWEDEN/LITHUANIA: Beijer Ref has completed the acquisition of Lithuanian HVACR equipment manufacturer Refra.