USA: Chemours has begun taking orders from North American customers for R454B, its lower GWP replacement for R410A.

Marketed as Opteon XL41, R454B is an A2L lower flammability refrigerant, a blend of R32 and R1234yf with a GWP of 466.

The refrigerant has been available in Europe for a number of years, where it is offered as an option in a range of chillers from major manufacturers.

The availability of R454B refrigerant comes approximately one year ahead of the next major scheduled step-down outlined in the American Innovation and Manufacturing (AIM) Act. Starting January 1, 2024, regulations will require an additional 30% reduction in HFC production and consumption. 

Overall, OEM system design changes required for R454B will be minimal, says Chemours, and new equipment filled with the refrigerant are expected to be available before 2025.