On March 8, 2018, the China Home Appliances and Consumer Electronics Expo (AWE2018) kicked off at the Shanghai New International Expo Center. As one of the world's top three home appliance and consumer electronics exhibitions, AWE attracted over 800 leading companies from across the supply chain, including major air conditioner compressor manufacturers. This year’s event highlighted the growing trend toward energy efficiency, environmental protection, and sustainable development in the industry.
During the exhibition, the three largest domestic air conditioner compressor manufacturers—GMCC, Lingda, and Haili—jointly showcased their environmentally friendly R290 refrigerant compressors. These compressors use HC-290, a natural refrigerant that is ozone-friendly and low-carbon, marking a significant step forward in green technology.
At the AWE Epland Awards Ceremony on March 10, GMCC’s R290 Green Environmental Constant Speed Compressor was honored with the “Epland Environmental Award.†The award was presented by Yu Lifeng, Deputy Director of the Ministry of Ecology and Environment’s Foreign Cooperation Center, and Wang Lei, Vice Chairman of the Chinese Household Appliances Association, underscoring the industry’s recognition of GMCC’s commitment to sustainability.
Globally, the air conditioning industry is accelerating the phase-out of R22, a refrigerant known for its harmful effects on the ozone layer, under the Montreal Protocol. While alternatives like R410A and R32 have been adopted, they still carry high global warming potential (GWP), which led to their inclusion in the Kigali Amendment in 2016. In response, China has chosen R290 as a more eco-friendly alternative.
R290 stands out due to its zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and extremely low GWP, making it an ideal choice for sustainable cooling solutions. It also offers superior cooling performance, especially in high-temperature environments, and requires less refrigerant charge, resulting in better energy efficiency.
China’s decision to adopt R290 has drawn international attention, as the country is both the world’s largest air conditioning producer and consumer. With support from the government, industry associations, and companies, China has made significant progress in R290 research and commercialization. This technical route has gained recognition from international agencies and other countries.
GMCC, the leading air conditioner compressor manufacturer in China, started R&D on R290 compressors in 2008 and launched the first R290 production line in 2011. Since 2013, R290 compressors have been mass-produced and are now used in various applications, including split air conditioners, mobile units, and heat pump water heaters.
Highly, another key player, began transforming its production lines for R290 compressors in 2013, completing the project the following year. The company has since shipped tens of thousands of R290 compressors. By 2017, Highly had expanded R290 usage to heat pump water heaters and dehumidifiers, broadening its application scope.
Lingda, one of the early developers of R290 compressors, has also developed a range of products suitable for air conditioners, dehumidifiers, heat pump water heaters, and low-temperature refrigerators. Their R290 compressors are now available in series, showing strong market readiness.
During AWE2018, the three giants—GMCC, Lingda, and Haili—showcased their R290 compressors, reinforcing the theme of green innovation. With the second phase of China’s HCFC phase-out plan now in effect, the adoption of R290 is expected to accelerate. In the coming years, more R290-based products are likely to be unveiled at AWE, reflecting the industry’s growing commitment to sustainability.
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