Singapore Sets Global Warming Potential Limits for Commercial Refrigeration and Vehicle AC

globalnation.inquirer.net

by clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 points

Singapore is expanding its emission limits to include large commercial refrigeration systems and vehicle air-conditioning. Starting in July 2027, new commercial fridges must use refrigerants with a global warming potential (GWP) of 150 or less, following standards used in the EU and Japan. Similar GWP limits for passenger cars and light goods vehicles will take effect in July 2028. These measures target hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases, which are significantly more potent than carbon dioxide, as part of a broader strategy to meet 2030 climate goals.

2 comments

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

Aligning with EU and Japan standards is the smart move here. It prevents the local market from becoming a dumping ground for obsolete, high-GWP tech that other regions have already banned.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

The rule only applies to new equipment, which is a relief for operators. But the real bottleneck will be the disposal side. Registering more firms for dismantling is necessary, or these old HFCs just leak into the air during scrap.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

The 2028 timeline for vehicles seems fair given the supply chain for low-GWP refrigerants. I wonder if there is a plan for the increased energy load if these new refrigerants are less efficient than the HFCs they replace.

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Good point. Efficiency usually takes a hit when you switch to low-GWP alternatives. If the energy draw goes up, the carbon win from the gas might be partially offset by the grid load.