Indicative roadmap for phase down of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) in room air conditioning sector in India
Student name: Ms Chetna Nagpal
Guide: Dr Atul Kumar
Year of completion: 2018
Host Organisation: Shakti Sustainable Energy Foundation, New Delhi
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Shubhashis Dey
Abstract: The study intents to prepare a roadmap for HFC phase down in India. It focusses on Room Air Conditioning (RAC) sector. Though India currently doesn’t have significant contribution in HFC emissions, but its contribution will increase in future due to increasing cooling demand and expected increase in AC market penetration. It becomes important to address HFC phase down in this sector. The study involves literature review of HFC market, RAC market, barriers and impacts of HFC phase down in India. Study also involves qualitative analysis of interviews and quantitative analysis of surveys gathered from various stakeholders. Results obtained have been used to prepare an indicative roadmap for HFC phase-down in RAC sector in India.
68%, 79%, 27% of the AC brands sold in India still use R-22, R-410A and R-32 as refrigerants respectively. While only 3% of AC brands use natural refrigerant i.e. R-290. 46% of respondents believed there will be significant increase in India’s global warming emissions if India sticks onto later HFC phase down. Inability of service technicians to handle flammable refrigerants and Poor maintenance of AC equipment are the barriers with highest intensity. There is a need to build infrastructure and enhance research and development for adoption of low GWP natural refrigerants. Majority of respondents i.e. 49% believe manufacturers are capable enough, 22% believe they have fair ability to transition, while only 15% believed it is very difficult for manufacturers to transition because MLF is slow.
Roadmap prepared in the study includes strategies to achieve following outcomes; Developing standards for use of low GWP refrigerant in RAC-equipment. Capacity building of RAC servicing sector. Encouraging RAC manufacturers to adopt low GWP refrigerants. Improving consumer acceptance and generating market pull. Developing Research and Development framework for adoption of low GWP refrigerants.
Indian manufacturers are capable enough for the transition proper implementation is required. The study foresees huge opportunity in HFC phase down in RAC sector.
