The regulatory landscape for cooling unit refrigerant gases is evolving rapidly, with both Europe and the U.S. tightening restrictions to reduce the environmental impact of fluorinated gases (F-gases). As a leader in sustainable innovation, Schneider Electric is committed to staying ahead of these changes while ensuring our customers – panel builders, OEMs, and electrical experts – can seamlessly transition to compliant, high-performance cooling solutions.
Understanding the new regulations
In Europe, the revised F-Gas Regulation (EU) 573/2024, effective since March 11, 2024, mandates a gradual phase-down of F-gases, imposing stricter limits on Global Warming Potential (GWP). Specifically, for cooling units:
- January 1, 2027: Refrigerants must have a GWP below 150, except where safety requirements necessitate higher limits.
- January 1, 2032: A ban on F-gases in new cooling units, with exceptions allowing a maximum GWP of 750 if safety requirements at the customer installation site.
- Existing cooling units can continue using current refrigerants (such as R134a) until 2032, after which a servicing and maintenance ban will apply to gases with a GWP over 750.
These changes align with global efforts to mitigate climate change by reducing the impact of refrigerant gases.
Schneider Electric’s transition plan
Schneider Electric is fully aligned with these regulations and broader commitment to sustainability. To ensure compliance while maintaining performance and ease of integration, we are updating our ClimaSys connected Cooling Unit range with a next-generation refrigerant:
- Current refrigerant: R134a (GWP: 1430)
- New refrigerant: R513A (GWP: 631)
This transition significantly reduces the environmental impact of our cooling solutions while preserving the key characteristics our customers rely on:
- Same dimensions: Easy retrofitting and seamless integration.
- Same commercial references: Simplifying procurement and business continuity.
- Default connectivity: Ensuring effortless SCADA integration.
- Cooling capacity: Performance will be similar.
- Switching period: between April to November 2026
Maintaining excellence in product design
While we are adapting to regulatory changes, our core design principles remain unchanged. Schneider Electric ClimaSys cooling units will continue to offer:
- Simplicity: On/Off technology for straightforward operation.
- Reliability: Proven durability and efficiency.
- Compact and flexible design: Suitable for diverse industrial applications.
- Seamless connectivity: Ensuring easy monitoring and control.
Beyond compliance, we are actively developing next-generation energy-efficient and sustainable cooling solutions that anticipate future global environmental requirements.
Looking ahead
As the industry navigates these regulatory shifts, ongoing updates and support will be crucial to ensure a smooth transition to more sustainable cooling solutions. Schneider Electric actively developing next-generation energy-efficient and sustainable cooling solutions that anticipate future global environmental requirements.
Stay tuned for further announcements on our updated ClimaSys Cooling Unit solutions.
In the meantime, if you have any questions or need guidance on refrigerant gas regulations, reach out to our experts.
About the author
Philippe Tschirret, ClimaSys Offer Manager
Philippe Tschirret is a seasoned Offer Manager specializing in Thermal Management within the UE division. Based in Eybens, Isère, Philippe brings a strategic mindset and deep technical expertise to his role, driving innovation and value across complex product portfolios. With a strong background in engineering and project leadership, he collaborates closely with cross-functional teams to develop and position thermal solutions that meet evolving market demands. Reporting to Yves Saisset and under the guidance of Sylvain Colomb, Philippe plays a key role in aligning business objectives with customer needs, ensuring sustainable growth and operational excellence. His approach combines analytical rigor with a passion for problem-solving, making him a trusted contributor to both strategic planning and execution.
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