- Europe has seen rapid growth in the adoption of R290-based self-contained refrigeration systems.
- By the end of 2024, an estimated 17 million R290 cabinets were installed across the region.
- This figure marks a significant adjustment from previous underestimations.
- Regulatory drivers include the 2024 EU F-gas Regulation and rising PFAS scrutiny.
- R290’s low GWP and efficiency are fueling its position as a future-proof solution.
The adoption of R290 (propane) refrigeration systems in Europe has reached an inflection point, with the market firmly shifting away from synthetic refrigerants. According to ATMOsphere’s 2024 State of the Industry report, an estimated 17 million self-contained hydrocarbon cabinets—primarily R290—were installed in Europe by the end of 2024. This marks a dramatic recalibration from the 3.2 million previously reported, highlighting not just growth, but prior undercounting.
The revised estimate reflects more accurate and comprehensive data collection from manufacturers and industry sources. This new baseline positions R290 not as an alternative, but as a mainstream solution across retail refrigeration.
Driving this trend are tightening environmental regulations. The EU’s revised F-gas Regulation, enacted in March 2024, places stringent limits on the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of refrigerants, effectively phasing down high-GWP synthetic options. Importantly, the regulation identifies many fluorinated gases as PFAS—persistent environmental pollutants—adding further momentum toward natural refrigerants like R290.
R290 is particularly attractive due to its ultra-low GWP (GWP ≈ 3), high energy efficiency, and suitability for plug-in systems. Despite flammability concerns, improvements in safety standards—such as updated charge limits and system design—have enabled broader adoption in commercial settings.
The report underscores that Europe now leads the global transition to natural refrigerants, with R290 playing a key role in retail transformation. As retailers face mounting pressure to decarbonize and comply with sustainability reporting standards, the demand for propane-based systems is expected to continue its upward trajectory.
