Scientists in Hyderabad have developed an indigenous manufacturing process for next-generation refrigerants that could significantly reduce the climate impact of cooling systems used in homes, commercial buildings and vehicles. The breakthrough is expected to strengthen India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities while supporting the transition towards environmentally responsible cooling technologies.
Researchers at the CSIR–Indian Institute of Chemical Technology have developed a laboratory-scale process to manufacture hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), a new generation of refrigerants designed to replace high-global-warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). The green refrigerant technology has been developed entirely in India and is now ready for transfer to industrial manufacturers. The innovation focuses on producing HFO-1234yf, a refrigerant widely recognised for its low environmental impact. Unlike conventional HFCs, the new refrigerant has zero ozone depletion potential, significantly lower global warming potential and a much shorter atmospheric lifetime, making it a more sustainable alternative for air conditioners, refrigeration equipment and automobile cooling systems. Scientists involved in the project said the indigenous process uses readily available raw materials, enabling Indian manufacturers to produce advanced refrigerants without relying on imported technologies. This could help strengthen domestic supply chains while supporting the country’s broader objective of increasing self-reliance in high-value chemical manufacturing.
The green refrigerant technology also aligns with India’s climate commitments under the Kigali Amendment, which requires countries to gradually reduce the production and consumption of HFCs over the coming decades. India has adopted a phased reduction strategy extending to 2047, making the availability of low-emission alternatives increasingly important. Climate experts note that cooling demand is expected to rise sharply as cities expand, temperatures increase and incomes improve. Developing sustainable refrigerants is therefore becoming a critical component of climate-resilient urban infrastructure. More efficient cooling technologies can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting growing demand for thermal comfort in residential and commercial buildings. The research also reflects Hyderabad’s expanding role as a centre for scientific innovation and advanced chemical research. The city’s research institutions continue to contribute to sectors ranging from pharmaceuticals and biotechnology to clean technologies and sustainable manufacturing.
Industry observers believe successful commercialisation of the technology could reduce import dependence, encourage domestic production of advanced fluorochemicals and create new opportunities for Indian manufacturers serving global refrigeration and air-conditioning markets. As India prepares for the gradual transition away from high-emission refrigerants, innovations such as this may help accelerate the adoption of cleaner cooling technologies while strengthening industrial competitiveness. The next stage will involve technology transfer and commercial-scale manufacturing, paving the way for wider deployment across the country’s rapidly growing cooling sector.
