In April 2025, Daikin will launch a new VRV range with R-744 refrigerant (CO2) in the UK and European markets. This reflects Daikin’s drive to been at the forefront of developing solutions to lower the carbon footprint of its systems, anticipating and supporting legislation. This includes the revision of ENER Lot 21, with many in the industry calling for increases in seasonal efficiency requirements as well as F-Gas changes that are moving the industry towards natural refrigerants.
R-744 (CO2) refrigerant has many benefits. CO2, is a natural refrigerant, classified as non-flammable (A1) according to ISO817 and, with a GWP value of 1, it has a very low Global Warming Potential.
R-32 VRV5 remains the best solution for most commercial and industrial applications, and will remain so for the foreseeable future. With both refrigerant options, R-32 and CO2, Daikin will, however, be able to provide solutions for all commercial applications. Irrespective of the projects selection criteria, efficiency, carbon footprint, lifetime carbon emissions cost, and GWP, Daikin will have a solution that fits.
Commenting on the announcement, Steve Molloy, Daikin’s Sustainability & Commercial Solutions Manager said: “We know that there is growing demand for CO2 refrigerant in the UK. Our new range of products will help to meet this and clearly shows how Daikin is leading this evolving market. At this stage in its development, R-744 is not going to be suitable for every application and we will continue to offer our full range of R-32 solutions.
“Launching R-744 products at an early stage will give the sectors’ early adopters access to a cutting edge product. At the same time it will build our expertise and help us develop a wider range of market leading CO2 products in the future.
“Decarbonising the building sector requires flexible refrigerant options due to varying application challenges. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. Daikin’s strategy is to select the best refrigerant for each application, balancing four key factors: safety, energy efficiency, environmental impact, and cost over the entire life cycle of a product. Daikin’s introduction of the first CO2 VRV unit, in addition to our VRV R-32 range, reaffirms our commitment to the decarbonisation of commercial buildings.
“Adding CO2 to Daikin’s broad portfolio of VRV solutions diversifies the choices on the market and lays the foundation for further developments”, “It is tailored for targeted decarbonisation initiatives such as supermarkets and retail establishments, focusing on heating and cooling systems that necessitate the use of natural refrigerants”.
“We are committed to developing VRV systems that offer the flexibility of choice for any type of commercial building, keeping a clear focus on energy efficiency, GWP, legislation and building trends. This CO2 VRV innovation is the next step towards offering solutions with a lower climate impact over their entire lifetime.”
To date VRV technology has contributed to saving significant amounts of CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuel heating solutions. With both refrigerant options, R-32 and CO2, Daikin will be able to provide solutions for all commercial applications
Daikin will shortly start to educate and train its network to support the adoption of this new technology for specific relevant projects
For more information about the revised F-gas regulation and Daikin’s refrigerant outlook visit https://www.daikin.eu/en_us/press-releases/an-outlook-from-daikin-on-refrigerant-alternatives-in-europe.html
