Why Refrigeration Gas Matters in Breweries
Refrigeration systems aren't why any of us got into brewing, but they are important in your brewery's carbon footprint. Operational efficiency and appropriate sizing are key but there’s a hidden challenge - refrigeration gas leaks over time.
All refrigerants leak to some extent, whether through tiny microfractures in piping or during routine maintenance. These leaks reduce cooling efficiency, meaning your equipment has to work harder, driving up energy costs. More importantly, depending on the refrigerant used, these emissions can contribute significantly to global warming.
This is why refrigeration gas choice is critical. If you’re using R410A, upcoming 2025 regulations mean now is the time to start planning for a transition.
Why Is R410A Being Phased Out?
R410A was once considered a new-age refrigeration gas, replacing older, ozone-depleting refrigerants like R22. While it doesn’t damage the ozone layer, it has a high global warming potential (GWP) of 2,088—meaning it traps over 2,000 times more heat in the atmosphere than CO₂ over a 100-year period.
Regulatory bodies worldwide are pushing for lower-GWP alternatives. In the UK and EU, the F-Gas Regulation is driving the phase-down of high-GWP refrigerants, with R410A set to be banned in new equipment from 2025. Even before this official deadline, rising costs and supply shortages will make continuing with R410A a challenge. If your brewery still relies on it, the best time to plan your transition is now.
The R410A Replacement: R-454B
One of the most promising replacements for R410A is R-454B. This next-generation refrigerant has a much lower GWP (466 vs. 2,088 for R410A), making it a more sustainable refrigeration gas.
Benefits of R-454B include:
Lower environmental impact – More than 75% lower GWP compared to R410A
Energy efficiency – Similar cooling capacity with lower energy consumption
Lower charge requirements – Less refrigerant is needed for the same cooling effect
While it’s still classified as mildly flammable (A2L rating), its safety measures are manageable within modern refrigeration designs. This makes it a viable option for breweries to upgrade their refrigeration systems.
For sure this refrigerant makes sense now, just like I am sure R410a made sense when R22 was common. But is it actually that future-proof?
Sustainable Refrigeration Gas Options
For breweries looking to future-proof their cooling systems, natural refrigerants offer another compelling option. Two standout choices are:
R290 (Propane) – A hydrocarbon refrigerant with a low GWP (just 3). It’s efficient, widely available, and already being adopted in commercial refrigeration. However, it’s flammable, meaning system design and safety considerations are key.
R717 (Ammonia) – Used in industrial brewing for decades, ammonia has a GWP of zero and incredible cooling efficiency. The trade-off is that it’s highly toxic, requiring strict handling and installation by experienced professionals.
If reducing both energy costs and emissions is a priority, natural refrigerants present a long-term future-proof solution, but breweries must weigh safety, infrastructure, and regulatory requirements when making the switch.
Real-Life Example - Transitioning to Sustainable Refrigeration Gas
In 2024/2025 I worked with Vault City in Edinburgh, and we implemented a new R-290 chiller.
To help illustrate the impact of refrigerant choice, let’s look at the tonnes of CO2e that Vault City would emit based on a 5% refrigerant leak per year, based on what type of refrigerant they went with:
Next Steps: Listen & Learn
Want to dive deeper? I spoke with Jan-Paul & Max Buchner about sustainable cooling on The Modern Brewer Podcast.
🎧 Listen to the full episode here: EP 22 – Sustainable Refrigeration in Brewing.
If you're reviewing your brewery’s refrigeration setup and need guidance, reach out — I’m happy to help.
Comments