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

R32: larger systems could be next

Mitsubishi Electric is one of the leading Japanese manufacturers to have introduced wall-mounted R32 units
Mitsubishi Electric is one of the leading Japanese manufacturers to have introduced wall-mounted R32 units

JAPAN: The mildly flammable refrigerant R32, recently introduced into wall-mounted splits in Japan, could soon be used in larger systems if risk assessments currently in progress prove its safety.

Daikin’s launch of residential air conditioners using R32 refrigerant for the Japanese market was followed this autumn by similar introductions from Mitsubishi Electric, Hitachi and Panasonic.

According to the Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association (JRAIA) the total market share of these four companies accounts for about 80% of the Japanese market and cumulative sales of R32  air conditioners have exceeded 800,000 units.

The risk assessments have been jointly conducted by the JRAIA and JSRAE (the Japan Society of Refrigerant and Air Conditioning Engineers). These studies are ongoing and are now being carried out on PACs, VRF systems and chillers.

In its latest newsletter, the JRAIA says: “If the completed assessment concludes there is no critical problem, then manufacturers would step forward to use R32 in those products.”

There is a high pressure gas safety law in Japan which could restrict the the use of R32 to systems under 3 tons but the industry is requesting a relaxation of the regulations.

The HVAC&R Japan exhibition taking place in Tokyo from January 28-31 is set to be the first major showcase of R32 products.

Stay informed: subscribe to the Cooling Post newsletter

Latest News

14th February 2025

Two convicted of R22 refrigerant smuggling

USA: Two men have been convicted for separate instances of smuggling R22 refrigerant into the USA from Mexico.
14th February 2025

REHVA and ASHRAE extend co-operation

USA: REHVA, the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations, took advantage of this week’s ASHRAE winter meeting to renew its partnership with the US-based organisation.
14th February 2025

Manage Panasonic heat pumps in cascade

UK: Panasonic is launching its new Cascade Manager, Aquarea Cascade Edge, including P-Smart Edge and P-Smart Nexus. 
14th February 2025

Eurovent calls for recognition of HVACR sector

BELGIUM: The European manufacturers' group Eurovent is calling for the recognition of the HVACR sector in the EU’s Clean Industrial Deal and related policies, to preserve the industry's competitiveness.
14th February 2025

Swegon acquires American Geothermal 

SWEDEN/USA: Swegon has signed an agreement to acquire American Geothermal, a US manufacturer of heat pumps and chillers for the concrete industry and commercial HVAC sectors.
14th February 2025

China’s HFC emissions more than 20% of global total

CHINA: Figures claiming that China’s emissions of high GWP refrigerants now represent more than 20% of the global total have been described as untenable by the Environmental Investigation Agency.