CSIR-IICT Hyderabad develops India's first indigenous green refrigerant technology

The CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (CSIR-IICT) in Hyderabad has developed the country’s first indigenous process technology for manufacturing hydrofluoroolefins (HFO-1234yf). This new class of green refrigerants is set to replace high-global-warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in air-conditioners, refrigerators, and automobile air-conditioning systems.

The laboratory-scale technology, developed entirely in India after several years of research, is now ready for transfer to the industry. The process uses readily available raw materials, enabling domestic chemical manufacturers to produce next-generation refrigerants without relying on imported technology. Once licensed, companies can scale up the process and supply HFOs to refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment manufacturers.

HFO-1234yf is regarded globally as a promising alternative to conventional refrigerants. It features zero ozone depletion potential, low global warming potential, a very short atmospheric lifetime, and improved environmental compatibility.

CSIR-IICT Director Dr. D. Srinivasa Reddy stated that the institute’s work was aimed at building domestic capability in advanced fluorochemical manufacturing. He noted that the initiative aligns with green and sustainable technologies, the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign, import substitution, and national climate commitments.

Dr. Ravitej Singh, a scientist at CSIR-IICT, explained that the primary environmental benefit comes from the shorter atmospheric lifetime of HFOs. While HFCs take 13.8 years to degrade in the atmosphere, HFOs break down in about 11 days. Dr. Singh added that although the price of the new technology may be slightly high initially, the lower environmental impact makes it highly significant.

The technological breakthrough aligns with India's climate goals under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which the Union Cabinet approved in 2021. The amendment provides for the phase-down of HFC production and consumption.

India is scheduled to complete its HFC phase-down in four steps starting from 2032. The country aims for a 10 percent cumulative reduction in 2032, 20 percent in 2037, 30 percent in 2042, and 85 percent by 2047. Phasing down HFCs is expected to prevent the emission of up to 105 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent of greenhouse gases, helping to avoid up to 0.5 degrees Celsius of global temperature rise by 2100.