TL: GREENFREEZE: A GLOBAL REVOLUTION IN DOMESTIC REFRIGERATION - A GREENPEACE SOLUTION SO: GREENPEACE INTERNATIONAL (GP) DT: SEPT, 1997, MONTREAL, CANADA] A GREENPEACE INTERNATIONAL POSITION PAPER: GREENFREEZE A Global Revolution In Domestic Refrigeration A GREENPEACE Solution Greenpeace International May 1997 TABLE OF CONTENTS: The Greenfreeze Project CFC's and the Ozone Crisis HCFCS & HFCS: Obsolete Solutions from the Chemical Industry HFC-134a Endangers the Environment The TFA Factor Technological Problems of HFC-134a Greenfreeze: A Superior Technology for Refrigeration Freeze Against Greenfreeze Thawing In North America HCFC & HFC Refrigerators Disqualified for EU 'Eco-Label' Greenfreeze: The Best Technological Option for Developing Countries Conclusion THE GREENFREEZE PROJECT Greenfreeze hydrocarbon technology in domestic refrigeration is environmentally the most sustainable technology that is currently available in the world. It is cost effective, technologically mature, and commercially accepted. The primary objective of the Greenpeace Greenfreeze Project is the protection of the ozone layer and the global climate through: (a) the worldwide propagation of the Greenfreeze technology; and (b) the earliest possible retirement of competing refrigeration technologies which use ozone depleting and/or global warming substances, such as HCFCs or HFCs. CFC'S AND THE OZONE CRISIS Until recently, most domestic refrigerators were manufactured with the use of ozone depleting CFC-11 in the insulation, and CFC-12 as the refrigerant. In 1990, the combined total of CFC-11 and CFC-12 used in domestic refrigerators was approximately 40,000 metric tonnes. The extensive use of CFC's is one of the primary causes of the depletion of the ozone layer. Consequently, under the Montreal Protocol to Control Ozone Depleting Substances, governments agreed to an international phase-out schedule for CFCs, and on the need to replace CFCs with new substances and technologies. HFC-134A ENDANGERS THE ENVIRONMENT HFC-134a is projected to be used at a level that poses significant risk to the climate system. The 1992 Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) emission scenarios indicate, based on industry market projections, that this gas will be emitted in large volumes in the future unless controlled. By 2025 emission of HFC-134a is projected to approach 500,000 tonnes per year, whose global impact is equivalent to 10% of 1990 emissions of CO2 from fossil fuels (when compared using a 100 year GWP). IPC projections for 2050 have HFC-134a emissions close to 1 million tonnes per year (more than the 1989 emission of the major CFCs) or nearly 20% of 1990 CO2 emissions. The global warming impact of the worldwide annual production of at least 200,000 tonnes of R134a equals roughly the CO2 emissions of an industrialized nation the size of France or the UK. In the longer term, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has estimated that HFC emissions, if unregulated, could reach over thirteen times this level or 2,764,000 tonnes per year in the next century. Estimates of the potential impact of all HFCs upon the atmosphere indicate that by the year 2040, the total global HFC market could be around 1.35 million tonnes a year, which would be the equivalent to 15% of current fossil fuel emissions. A recent study by Atlantic Consultants of the UK reveals that the HFC-134a leakage from the airconditioning of autos sold in 1995 in Western Europe alone will generate the CO2 equivalent as five new power plants, while the HFC-13a leakage from automobiles sold in Japan in 1995 will contribute the CO2 equivalent of ten power plants. THE TFA FACTOR The TFA factor: In a 1994 paper Professor Gustav Lorentzen (Norway), in a paper entitled "The Use of Natural Refrigerants, A Complete Solution to the CFC/HCFC Predicament" writes: "It has already been suggested that HFC-134a may be decomposed by sunlight in the troposphere and form acid and poisonous substances. If this should turn out to be true, we may have to face yet another catastrophe, even worse than the CFC experience... " The July 27,1995 issue of NATURE magazine contains a detailed article on the potential toxicological impacts of some HCFCs and HFCs, including 134a. According to the article, these substances pose a new risk upon decomposition through the formation of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). TFA is produced in the atmosphere through interaction of OH radicals with HCFC-123, HCFC-124 and HFC-134a. TFA is resistant to abiotic degradation processes such as photolysis and hydrolysis and is virtually unmetabolizable by most plants and animals. Within a matter of days after entering the atmosphere, TFA is expected to distribute from air to cloud water, whence it will return to the Earth's surface via precipitation. It is extremely persistent, and we do not yet know the accumulative impact. The Executive Summary of the UNEP 1996 Scientific Assessment writes that "TFA concentrations in air and water samples collected in Germany, Switzerland and Israel in 1995 contained surprisingly high levels of TFA, comparable to concentrations predicted by models for the year 2010." This increase is attributable to the increased use of HFC-134a. Clearly, the precautionary principle should prevail. HFC-134a must only be used as transitional substance, and it should be phased out in each sector as soon as safer technologies are available. In the domestic and small commercial refrigeration sector there is absolutely no need for its continued use. TECHNOLOGICAL PROBLEMS OF HFC-134A A November, 1996 report of the German Government's Technical Development Agency (GTZ) highlighted the following: HFC-134a is not flammable, but is a high-tech solution which requires very sophisticated production conditions to maintain quality control. Amongst the specific HFC-134a problems are the hygroscopic behavior of the special synthetic ester oils required by HFC-134a and a high sensitivity to various other impurities (e.g., paraffin), which may cause failure of the refrigerators due to capillary clogging. Repairing of HFC-134a compressors is extremely difficult, and field-based servicing can lead to complete compressor failure which can not be repaired anymore, when HFC-134a-based appliances are recharged following a compressor blockage. These problems, due to the hygroscopic nature of the synthetic ester oil, is especially pronounced for developing countries in warm and humid climates. It may, in fact have a devastating impact on the service community, which in countries like India, Indonesia etc. are primarily from the informal sector, unaffiliated with large multinationals. The service sector in these countries may simply not be able to maintain the required quality standards to prevent contamination. GREENFREEZE: A SUPERIOR TECHNOLOGY FOR REFRIGERATION In 1992, Greenpeace initiated the development of Greenfreeze, an ozone and climate safe refrigeration technology. Greenfreeze uses a mixture of propane (R290) and isobutane (R60Oa), or isobutane as a pure gas, for the refrigerant, and cyclopentane for blowing the insulation foam. While hydrocarbons are flammable, the content of propane or butane in a domestic ÔGreenfreeze' refrigerator only equals the content of two cigarette lighters. The energy efficiency of hydrocarbon refrigerators has proved to be as good as, or better than those cooled with CFCs or HFC-134a. Similarly, the efficiency of cyclopentane blown insulation foam compares favorably with foam blown with HCFC-141b. Greenfreeze refrigerators are technologically reliable. They use mineral oil for lubricant, and unlike the HFC-134a technology, present no great difficulties in servicing. Since 1992, Greenfreeze has become the dominant technology in North Western Europe, having taken over nearly 100% of the German market. There are over 12 million hydrocarbon refrigerators in the world today, and it is estimated that by the year 2000, over 40 million Greenfreeze refrigerators will have been built in Europe alone. Projected share of the market for hydrocarbon refrigerants in Western / Northern Europe is 80% by 1997, up from 40% in 1995. HFC-134a is expected to have 20% of the market in 1997, down from 50% in 1995. The use of hydrocarbons in polyurethane foam blowing and as refrigerants has been approved by the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol. Worldwide, of all the conversion projects approved under the Multilateral Fund, up to June 1996, out of a total of 8,070,800 refrigerator units, 5,884,400, or approximately 70% will have hydrocarbon (cyclopentane) as blowing agent for the insulation. Greenfreeze refrigerators are available in many sizes, and a wide variety of models, including no-frost freezer compartments. There are over 100 different Greenfreeze models on the market. Greenfreeze refrigerators are now on sale in most parts of Europe. All of the major European companies, Bosch/Siemens, Electrolux, Liebherr, Miele, Quelle, Vestfrost, Whirlpool, Bauknecht, Foron, AEG are marketing Greenfreeze. The technology has also spread to other parts of the world. Greenfreeze is produced in Australia. Kelon, the largest company in China, will produce up to 700,000 Greenfreeze units in 1997, and plans to convert other production lines to using hydrocarbons. Four other companies in China also have plans to convert to hydrocarbons with funds from the Multilateral Fund of the Montreal Protocol. Six companies in Argentina are in the process of converting their production facilities to Greenfreeze. Cuba has decided in 1997 to convert its existing refrigerator factory to Greenfreeze technology. Companies in Argentina, Turkey, and Russia are also set to produce Greenfreeze. Strong interest in the technology has also been expressed by companies in Tunisia, India, Bangladesh, Ukraine and Belarus FREEZE AGAINST GREENFREEZE THAWING IN NORTH AMERICA The hydrocarbon technology has not yet made it to North America due to the opposition of the chemical industry and their corporate allies in the manufacturing sector. However, based on feedback from the public, Greenpeace is convinced that an eager market and a positive business opportunity awaits the first company that will introduce Greenfreeze to the North American consumer. Underwriter's Laboratory in the US has accepted both cyclopentane, for insulation foam blowing, and isobutane (up to 50 grams) for the refrigerant. The recommended international standard for hydrocarbon charge in a domestic refrigerator is 150 grams maximum, and UL will approve refrigerators with higher than 50 grams charge, provided that they pass the required safety tests HCFC & HFC REFRIGERATORS DISQUALIFIED FOR EU 'ECO-LABEL' The European Union in December 1996 passed a regulation that would only allow the coveted Ecolabel to be displayed on refrigerators that do not use chemicals, such as HCFCs and HFCs which harm the ozone layer or contribute significantly to global warming. Greenfreeze qualifies for the Ecolabel. Companies that wish to export to the European Union may want to consider the implications of this decision for their future marketing prospects. GREENFREEZE: THE BEST TECHNOLOGICAL OPTION FOR DEVELOPING COUNTRIES The greatest battleground for market share, between HCFC/HFC and hydrocarbon technologies, is presently in developing countries with their rapidly expanding economies, and an annual growth of 15% in the refrigerator sector. The chemical industry and their corporate allies in the manufacturing sector are vigorously marketing the HCFC/HFC alternatives, and Greenpeace is advocating for the use of the hydrocarbon technology. Hydrocarbon technology offers many benefits to these countries. These benefits include: * independence and sovereignty in supply of non-patented foaming agents and refrigerants * lower operating costs for foaming agents, refrigerants and lubricants * avoidance of the costs of a two step conversion which include retrofitting equipment, changing production lines, and training of personnel * easier maintenance and servicing than HFC-134a technology * technology applicable in both domestic and small commercial refrigeration Proponents of HCFC/HFC technologies argue that hydrocarbons are too expensive because of the extra costs of safety design and equipment. While it is true that there are additional costs involved, the Multilateral Fund provides a 35% incremental conversion cost allowance to cover those safety related expenses. On the long run, hydrocarbon refrigerators are much more cost effective to produce than HCFC and HFC refrigerators, as operating costs with 141b/134a technology is nearly five times more than with hydrocarbon technologies. Furthermore, there are also significant costs associated with HFC-134a technology, which requires dust-free assembly environment to prevent contamination of the lubricant. CONCLUSION HCFCs and HFCs are transitional substances - temporary alternatives to the use of CFCs. They are environmentally unsustainable, and HFC-134a presents major technological problems in servicing. In contrast, hydrocarbons are the long term solution, environmentally safe, and technologically reliable.