The Role of R-32 in Türkiye's Climate Policies in Terms of Energy Efficiency and Greenhouse Gas Reduction

Abstract

This study presents a comparative analysis of the performance of R-410A, a widely used refrigerant in residential split-type air conditioning systems, and R-32, a low-GWP alternative. Experimental findings indicate that R-32 provides approximately 10–15% higher energy efficiency and has a global warming potential (GWP) three times lower than that of R-410A. These advantages contribute to both reducing direct emissions and mitigating indirect CO₂ emissions through lower electricity consumption. However, as R-32 is classified as an A2L refrigerant (mildly flammable), compliance with international safety standards such as EN 378 and ISO 5149 is required. From a policy perspective, the findings align with Türkiye's climate commitments, including the Paris Agreement, the Kigali Amendment, and the Climate Law enacted in 2025, which formalised the national target of net-zero emissions by 2053. The adoption of R-32 is therefore a strategic measure for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in line with the country's Emissions Trading System (ETS) and compliance with the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Overall, the results demonstrate that R-32 can serve as a transitional refrigerant in Türkiye's air-conditioning sector, providing technical, environmental, and economic benefits. Additionally, its adoption can enhance energy security, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and support national climate change goals. Further research should focus on long-term performance under various climatic conditions, life cycle climate performance (LCCP), and pathways toward natural refrigerants, such as R-290 and CO₂.

Keywords

• R-32
• GWP
• Climate Policy
• Kigali Amendment
• ETS

Enerji Verimliliği ve Sera Gazı Azaltımı Açısından Türkiye'nin İklim Politikalarında R-32'nin Rolü

Öz

Bu çalışma, Türkiye’de yaygın olarak kullanılan konut tipi split klima sistemlerinde R-410A ve düşük küresel ısınma potansiyeline (GWP) sahip alternatiflerden biri olan R-32 soğutucu akışkanın performansını karşılaştırmalı olarak incelemektedir. Deneysel bulgular, R-32’nin R-410A’ya kıyasla yaklaşık %10–15 daha yüksek enerji verimliliği sağladığını ve küresel ısınma potansiyelinin üç kat daha düşük olduğunu göstermektedir. Bu avantaj, hem doğrudan emisyonların azaltılmasına hem de elektrik tüketiminin düşürülmesiyle dolaylı CO₂ emisyonlarının kontrol altına alınmasına katkı sağlamaktadır. Bununla birlikte, A2L sınıfında (hafif yanıcı) yer alan R-32’nin güvenli kullanımı için EN 378 ve ISO 5149 gibi uluslararası standartlara uyum zorunludur. Politika boyutunda, elde edilen bulgular Türkiye’nin Paris Anlaşması, Kigali Değişikliği ve 2025 yılında yürürlüğe giren İklim Kanunu kapsamındaki yükümlülükleriyle uyum göstermektedir. R-32’nin benimsenmesi, ulusal Emisyon Ticaret Sistemi (ETS) ve Avrupa Birliği Sınırda Karbon Düzenleme Mekanizması (CBAM) ile uyumlu biçimde, sera gazı azaltım hedeflerine ulaşmada stratejik bir araç olarak öne çıkmaktadır. Sonuçlar, R-32’nin Türkiye’nin iklimlendirme sektöründe geçiş dönemi için uygun bir düşük GWP’li alternatif olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Bu bulgular, enerji verimliliği, iklim politikaları ve sürdürülebilirlik hedefleri doğrultusunda hem mühendislik uygulamaları hem de politika yapıcılar için yol gösterici veriler sunmaktadır.

Anahtar Kelimeler

• R-32
• GWP
• İklim Kanunu
• Kiagali Değişikliği
• ETS

Kaynakça

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