US Department of Energy phaseout of CFC-refrigerants

DOE`s goal is to phase out the use of ODSs by implementing environmentally safe alternative substances and processes within a timeframe that is consistent with the requirements and spirit of Executive Order 12843 and Title VI of the Clean Air Act. Refrigeration and air conditioning uses of CFCs present a challenge to DOE, as well as other industrial users of these applications, because of the limited number of approved CFC alternatives currently available. The estimated costs associated with retrofitting or replacing refrigerant equipment are high, and there is some concern over whether sufficient production capacity exists to meet the demand for equipment and retrofits from all consumers. On the other hand, there is also concern that DOE facilities and other users of CFC refrigerants may have difficulty obtaining sufficient quantities of these chemicals to service existing needs. To assist DOE facilities in planning for CFC phaseout, DOE Headquarters contracted with PNL to develop a Refrigerant Management Plan that uses a life-cycle cost analysis based on the equipment`s remaining useful life.