GCC refrigerant transition report

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are entering a pivotal phase in their refrigerant transition journey, driven by international climate obligations and national sustainability agendas. Most members – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and the United Arab Emirates – have ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and are classified under Group 2 of Article 5 Parties. This classification mandates a freeze on hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) consumption by 2028, followed by a gradual phasedown to 15% of baseline levels by 2047.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

National Cooling Plan Integration: The UAE has incorporated refrigerant management into its National Cooling Plan (NCP), which aims to reduce cooling demand and improve energy efficiency across sectors. This includes strategies for phasing down high-GWP (Global Warming Potential) refrigerants, in alignment with the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol.

National Refrigerant Registry: The UAE is developing a centralised refrigerant registry to track the import, use and disposal of refrigerants. This digital platform will enhance transparency, support enforcement of quotas and facilitate data-driven policy decisions.

Saudi Arabia

Through the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) and the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center (SEEC), the country is implementing Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) values. However, the Saudi National Center for Environmental Compliance (NCEC) and the Saudi Energy Efficiency Centre (SEEC) are looking into low-GWP refrigerants separately.

Technician Training Programmes: Saudi Arabia is rolling out certification and training programmes for HVACR technicians to ensure safe handling of alternative refrigerants, especially flammable or high-pressure types, like R-32, R454B and hydrocarbons.

Qatar

Policy Development: The country is also working on institutional frameworks to support enforcement and compliance, including customs training and refrigerant tracking mechanisms.

Kuwait

HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP): Kuwait is advancing through its HPMP, which is part of its commitment under the Montreal Protocol to eliminate ozone-depleting substances like HCFCs. This includes transitioning to low-GWP alternatives and upgrading equipment.

District Cooling Evaluation: The country is conducting technical and economic assessments of low-GWP refrigerants for use in District Cooling systems, which are a major component of its urban infrastructure.

Bahrain

Regional Standards Alignment: Bahrain is aligning its national policies with GCC region-wide standards on refrigerants and energy efficiency, ensuring harmonisation across borders.

Import Controls on HFCs: The country is preparing to implement import licensing and quota systems for high-GWP HFCs, which will be enforced through customs and environmental agencies.

Oman

Capacity Building: Oman is focusing on institutional and human capacity development, including training programmes for technicians, inspectors and policymakers.

Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): The government is fostering collaboration with the private sector to pilot low-GWP technologies in commercial and industrial applications, such as cold storage, supermarkets and manufacturing.

This evolving regulatory landscape sets the foundation for a region-wide transformation in refrigerant use, particularly considering the GCC region’s extreme ambient temperatures, which impose unique technical and operational challenges on HVACR systems.

Technical pathways and strategic priorities

Direct Expansion (DX) systems

The shift from R-22 and R-410A to lower-GWP alternatives, such as R-32 (in the Middle East and worldwide) and R-454B (Europe, the United States) is progressing steadily. Commercial Refrigeration is working with R-290 in self-contained commercial refrigeration appliances having limit of up to 500g, being increased from 150g, as per the updated EN IEC 60335-2-89:2022. These refrigerants offer improved thermodynamic efficiency and reduced environmental impact, but their mildly flammable (A2L) classification necessitates updated safety protocols and technician training. High-ambient conditions, often exceeding 52 degrees C, challenge the volumetric cooling capacity and discharge temperature of these refrigerants.

Chilled water systems

These systems are transitioning from R-134a and R-410A to R-513A and R-1234ze(E). Centralised plant control and lower leak rates make chilled water systems suitable for the adoption of A2L refrigerants.

Centrifugal chillers

R134a remains an acceptable refrigerant in District Cooling applications, with future drop-in options like R-513A. District Cooling – with its centralised location, better monitoring, professional operation and maintenance, and tight controls on refrigerant leak detection – ensures higher reliability in terms of installation and environmental safety.

Though options exist, in the form of adopting ultra-low-GWP refrigerants, such as R-1234ze, R-513A, R-1233zd(E) and R-514A, the systems accepting them require careful compressor and oil management design to maintain performance in high-ambient environments.

Transport Refrigeration

The shift from R-404A to R-452A and CO₂ (R-744) is underway. CO₂ systems require advanced cycle enhancements to maintain efficiency in high-ambient conditions.

Commercial Refrigeration

CO₂ transcritical systems and HFO blends, like R-448A and R-449A, are being adopted. These systems require advanced controls and heat-rejection strategies in hot climates.

Industrial Refrigeration

Ammonia (R-717) remains dominant due to its zero-GWP and high efficiency profile. CO₂ and HFOs are gaining interest for smaller or safety-sensitive applications.

Stakeholder action summary: Enabling a resilient refrigerant transition

While many industry members and legislators possess the necessary knowledge, the urgent need is for a cohesive effort by industry experts to provide essential guidance for this transition. AHRI MENA is proud to lead this initiative by forming the AHRI MENA Refrigerant Transition Work Group. This group serves as the umbrella for these efforts, aiming to offer expert guidance, become the industry’s voice and to facilitate communication with various stakeholders.

The work group is calling for following actions by respective parties:

Governments and Regulators

· Help establish enforceable GWP limits

· Mandate high-ambient performance testing

· Include G mark regulations for safety codes for A2L and natural refrigerants

· Establish safety protocols, in line with Civil Defence, Building codes, Transportation guidelines, Warehousing restrictions or any other mechanical codes

· Legislate refrigerant recovery and reclamation

· Coordinate and harmonise regional standards through GSO

Manufacturers and OEMs

· Prioritise high-ambient system design

· Accelerate low-GWP product rollouts

· Support field validation in GCC region climates

· Ensure retrofit compatibility

Service providers and technicians

· Upskill for A2L and natural refrigerants

· Adopt best practices in recovery and reuse

· Promote end-user education

Developers, utilities and end-users

· Specify low-GWP systems in new projects

· Invest in centralised cooling infrastructure

· Monitor lifecycle performance

Academic and research institutions

· Lead localised performance testing

· Develop high-ambient LCCP models

· Support innovation in cycle enhancements

The writer DX Consultant Sales Director, Daikin Middle East and Africa. He may be contacted at joshi.u@daikinmea.com