Year in Review: The best of Hydrocarbons21.com in 2017

As we enter the new year, here’s a list of links to the most important news impacting hydrocarbons-based HVAC&R technology in 2017, as selected by our media teams in New York, Brussels and Tokyo.

Market, End Users & Technology

Target exceeds 1,000 propane stores
Discounter reports 54% energy savings with propane cases, while Hannaford plans water-loop propane system, in session at FMI Energy.

ALDI Nord to fit 10 propane heat pumps
Viessmann has produced, in cooperation with the Essen-based discount chain, a sustainable energy system – the ‘ESyCool green’ for heating and cooling.

Global hydrocarbon suppliers signal R290 resurgence in Japan
Several global suppliers of plug-in hydrocarbon cabinets are stepping up their presence in the Japanese market.

Godrej launches R290 air conditioner line in Maldives
India-based Godrej Appliances has launched a line of R290 air conditioners in the Maldives.

Sri Lanka company moves to 100% R600a refrigerators
Appliance retailer and manufacturer Singer Sri Lanka PLC has halted sales of R134a refrigerators and moved completely to R600a refrigerators.

Accelerate America announces 2017 award winners
Whole Foods, US Cold Storage, Nestlé, Hillphoenix and Target’s Paul Anderson receive awards for advancing natural refrigerant adoption at ATMOsphere America ceremony.

R290 heat pumps trending at German ISH tradeshow
Several manufacturers at German trade show ISH displayed efficient systems using the natural refrigerant propane (R290).

Is China moving to R290 for air-conditioning?
The Chinese Household Electrical Appliances Association and the Chinese Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP/FECO) outline their experiences with propane.

Accelerate Europe announces 2017 award winners
Carrefour, Nestlé, the Staay Food Group, Viessmann and Menno van der Hoff receive awards for advancing natural refrigerant adoption at ATMOsphere Europe ceremony.

Policy, Regulation & Standards

Higher HC charge limits in commercial refrigeration come one step closer
The IEC subcommittee SC61C revising the recommended hydrocarbon charge limit in commercial refrigeration within the IEC 60335-2-89 standard has decided to move to the next stage in the process.

EPA proposes rule to boost HC charge limit for household fridges
The SNAP rule would raise the cap for propane, isobutane and R441A to 150g from 57g, in line with new UL standard.

Refrigerant management tops list of climate change solutions
In new book, Project Drawdown calculates impact of 80 strategies on cutting greenhouse gas emissions over 30 years.

€72 million NatRef subsidies to extend to Japan retail, food manufacturing
Japan's Ministry of Environment announces the reinstatement of natural refrigerant subsidies for food retail and food manufacturing sectors in the 2018 financial year.

New f-gas legislation introduced in Australia
The Turnbull government has introduced a bill to amend the existing Ozone Protection and Synthetic Greenhouse Gas Management (OPSGGM) Act by adding an HFC phase-down plan.

Kigali amendment to enter into force
The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol on phasing down HFCs will enter into force on 1 January 2019 after surpassing the required ratification threshold.

CARB launches rulemaking for EPA SNAP rules
California agency seeks input for adopting EPA SNAP’s HFC delisting rules and SLCP strategy’s HFC phase-down plans.

US to consider ratification of Kigali
‘We support the goals and approach of the Amendment,' says State Department official at MOP29, despite U.S. retreat from Paris accord.

Study shows HC charge-limit scenarios
Fire Protection Research Foundation lists safe charge limits for self-contained cases, including 1,000g in big-box grocery stores.