Sustainable refrigerants with lower climate impact for energy efficiency

Abstract

The transition toward sustainable cooling systems constitutes a strategic imperative in regions with high energy demand and climate vulnerability. In the context of Panama, a historical dependence on substances with high global warming potential (GWP) has been identified, increasing environmental risks and gaps regarding international regulatory frameworks. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the transition toward low-climate-impact refrigerants and its influence on operational safety and energy efficiency within the Panamanian market. Under a qualitative paradigm, a descriptive-documentary design was applied using a hermeneutic method to interpret regulations, international protocols, and sectoral import data. The findings reveal a decreasing trend in the consumption of high-GWP HFCs, such as R-134a, displaced by transitional blends and the emerging introduction of hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs). However, the discussion highlights that the full adoption of sustainable technologies is conditioned by cost asymmetry and limited specialized technical training. It is concluded that Panama is undergoing a regulatory and technological transformation toward the decarbonization of the refrigeration and air conditioning sector; nonetheless, consolidating this progress requires a policy of fiscal incentives and an update of safety codes to facilitate the large-scale integration of natural and low-flammability refrigerants.