Catalyst with Shayle Kann Fixing the refrigerant problem
11 snips
Nov 7, 2024 Shayle chats with Ian McGavisk, a senior advisor at RMI and refrigerant expert, who recently co-authored a report on recovering residential AC refrigerants. They delve into the staggering heat-trapping power of conventional refrigerants compared to CO2, discussing the ongoing global transition to safer alternatives. Ian highlights the emissions throughout the refrigerant lifecycle and the economic challenges of reclamation. They also uncover the trade-offs with low-global warming potential alternatives, emphasizing the urgent need for effective refrigerant management.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Leakage as the Culprit
- Refrigerants only have a negative environmental impact when they leak into the atmosphere.
- Proper recovery, recycling, or destruction at end-of-life prevents this impact.
Economic Barriers to Recovery
- The main challenge with refrigerant recovery is economic, not technical.
- Reclaimed refrigerants are more expensive than virgin refrigerants, disincentivizing recovery efforts.
Generational GWP Reduction
- Current refrigerants have a GWP of around 2000.
- Next-gen refrigerants aim for 600-700 GWP, with further transitions planned to reach single digits.