Vikinor expands R1234yf cooling options ahead of new EU F-gas requirements 

As new EU F-gas requirements approach in 2027, Vikinor is expanding its industrial cooling portfolio with ultra-low-GWP R1234yf refrigerant options.

The transition helps customers select cooling solutions that meet their technical requirements while addressing evolving environmental regulations.

New requirements for industrial cooling

The revised EU F-gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 introduces stricter limits on refrigerants with high Global Warming Potential (GWP). From January 1, 2027, a GWP limit of 150 applies to several categories of self-contained air-conditioning equipment, subject to equipment classification, cooling capacity, and applicable safety exceptions.

For operators of critical infrastructure, these changes make refrigerant selection an increasingly important consideration when specifying new cooling equipment for electrical enclosures, telecom cabinets, and industrial installations.

Transition period and safety exceptions

The new restrictions do not require existing, lawfully installed cooling equipment to be replaced. Equipment lawfully placed on the EU market before the applicable prohibition date can also continue to be supplied and installed afterward. From one year after that date, further supply requires evidence that the equipment was placed on the market before the restriction took effect (Regulation (EU) 2024/573, Article 11(1) and Article 13(19)–(20)).

The regulation also provides exceptions where site-specific safety requirements prevent the use of refrigerants with a GWP below 150. For certain self-contained air-conditioning equipment with a rated capacity of up to and including 12 kW, refrigerants with a GWP below 750, such as R513A, may still be permitted under these conditions (Regulation (EU) 2024/573, Annex IV, Point 8(b)).

Operators relying on these exceptions must be able to provide supporting evidence and retain the relevant documentation for at least five years.

These provisions allow customers to consider both existing equipment and alternative refrigerant configurations, depending on the application and applicable requirements.

Expanding our low-GWP cooling portfolio

Through Project Greenline 2.0, Vikinor is taking the next step in its transition toward refrigerants with a lower climate impact.

Following the introduction of R513A as a lower-GWP alternative to R134a, Vikinor is expanding the availability of R1234yf across selected cooling solutions. With an ultra-low GWP, R1234yf significantly reduces the potential climate impact associated with refrigerant emissions.

The transition builds on Vikinor’s existing cooling technologies, with continued focus on cooling performance, energy efficiency, and reliable operation in demanding environments.

What this means for customers

Customers specifying new cooling equipment can now consider R1234yf configurations alongside other available refrigerant options.

Vikinor’s portfolio includes air conditioners, air conditioners with economizer, and thermosiphon heat exchangers, with refrigerant options depending on the series and model.

By providing clear refrigerant specifications and multiple configuration options, Vikinor helps customers identify cooling solutions suited to their operating conditions, technical requirements, and applicable EU F-gas regulations.

Explore our cooling solutions

Vikinor continues to develop cooling technologies that combine reliable thermal management with lower environmental impact.

Explore our air conditioners, air conditioners with economizer, and heat exchangers to find a suitable solution for your application.

For more information about the refrigerant transition and Project Greenline 2.0, read Adapting industrial cooling to new refrigerant regulations.