EU: Towards a 90% reduction in emissions by 2040, new challenges for refrigeration

The European Parliament has put forward a proposal to set a new intermediate climate target : a 90% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 levels. This target anticipates and strengthens the path towards climate neutrality and will have direct effects on the most energy-intensive sectors, including commercial and industrial refrigeration .

For the HVAC/R sector, this proposal represents a clear signal of how the European regulatory framework is destined to become increasingly stringent in the coming years.

A goal that accelerates regulatory pressure

The introduction of such an ambitious target requires a progressive review of the EU's climate and industrial policies. A 90% reduction in emissions by 2040 requires a significant contribution from both indirect emissions from energy consumption and direct emissions from refrigerants .

For the refrigeration sector, this means operating in a scenario where energy efficiency , gas leak containment and the adoption of low GWP refrigerants become structural requirements, no longer optional or differentiating elements.

Direct impacts on refrigeration technologies

In a scenario of significant emissions reductions, the role of refrigeration systems is set to evolve rapidly. The most clearly emerging trends concern:

• improving the energy performance of plants , to reduce the contribution to indirect emissions;
• choice of refrigerants with minimal climate impact , in line with F-Gas restrictions and more stringent climate targets;
• integration with heat recovery systems and renewable sources , to increase the overall efficiency of processes;
• advanced monitoring and control , to limit waste, losses and non-optimized operations.

These aspects directly impact the design, installation, and management of systems, requiring increasingly specialized skills along the entire HVAC/R supply chain.

Preparing for a new long-term scenario

The European Parliament's proposal does not introduce immediate effects, but it defines a clear regulatory framework toward which the market will gradually align. For refrigeration manufacturers, designers, and operators, anticipating this scenario means directing investments today toward solutions compatible with more stringent climate objectives , reducing the risk of technical and regulatory obsolescence.

The message is clear: decarbonization is not just about energy production, but also directly affects the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of refrigeration systems, which will be increasingly central to achieving Europe's climate goals.