The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment and the Korea Environmental Industry and Technology Institute announced on June 21 that they will begin a new project titled "Development of Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas Reduction Technologies in Response to International Agreements" starting at the end of this month.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), widely used as refrigerants, were introduced to replace ozone-depleting substances like chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). However, due to their high global warming potential, they have become targets for international regulation.
As demand for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and industrial refrigeration has increased, so has the usage of refrigerants, highlighting the need for a robust recovery and recycling system.
In response, the government is implementing policies to enhance management across the entire process of refrigerant use, recovery, and disposal to reduce both consumption and emissions of HFCs.
This initiative will focus on three main areas: advancing refrigerant recovery technology, developing waste refrigerant treatment technologies, and securing eco-friendly refrigerant conversion technologies.
Initially, the government plans to develop high-performance equipment that can recover refrigerants from air conditioners and refrigeration units more quickly and efficiently. It will also establish a system that integrates refrigerant recovery amounts with management systems using information and communication technology (ICT).
Additionally, the government will pursue technology development for recycling waste refrigerants. Plans include developing regeneration technologies to purify mixed refrigerants, which are difficult to separate but widely used, as well as low-cost, high-efficiency destruction technologies and quality assessment technologies for recycled refrigerants.
To respond to strengthened international regulations, the government will also work on securing technologies for transitioning to eco-friendly refrigerants with lower global warming potential. This includes developing low-charge, high-efficiency heat pumps and leak detection and control technologies for safely using propane refrigerants in multi-family housing.
Industry experts have noted that the refrigerant recovery and treatment sector is primarily operated by small businesses, underscoring the need for government support to develop related technologies and stimulate the market.
The Ministry of Climate expects this initiative will expand the recycling of waste refrigerants and promote the distribution of eco-friendly refrigerants, contributing to the country's greenhouse gas reduction targets (NDC).
Kim Jin-sik, Director of the Air Quality Division at the Ministry of Climate, stated, "We will proactively respond to the international community's strengthened refrigerant regulations, actively support the introduction of next-generation eco-friendly and recycled refrigerants, and do our utmost to solidify the refrigerant supply chain."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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