High expectations as first ATMO Ibérica begins

Natural refrigerants will be the focal point of discussions today in Madrid during the first edition of ATMOsphere Ibérica, an event focused on the opportunities and challenges for these solutions on the Iberian Peninsula.

The one-day programme includes sessions such as market trends, policy updates, case studies and a panel focused on end-user experiences.

All sessions are centered on the Spanish and Portuguese markets except for one on ‘Opportunities in the Latin American market’, often the first-choice destination for Spanish industry looking at new markets.

‘Non-converted’ supermarkets attending

“Today Spain is perhaps not the easiest market for natural refrigerants, with the market characterised by misunderstandings and a lack of information on both the industry and end-user side alike,” said Alvaro de Oña, COO and head of media at shecco, the organiser of ATMOsphere conferences.

“In this context, ATMOsphere Ibérica will provide the perfect platform for discussion of natural refrigerants and will facilitate exchanges of knowledge and experience between those that are already in the market and ‘newbies’,” de Oña said.

Many Spanish supermarkets are only just starting to consider natural refrigerant technologies for their stores. Only a few stores in Spain (primarily Carrefour and Consum) are using CO₂ transcritical technology. Thus the growth potential – not only for CO₂ but for all natural refrigerants – is very significant in the region.

Industry is moving

Manufacturers are also offering a wider range of HFC-free solutions. The technology session will provide an insight into several projects carried out in Spain.

The conference has attracted the attention of local stakeholders from the HVAC&R industry, end users, academia, NGOs and the public sector and exceeded all expectations in terms of attendance with more than 150 participants.

For more information, please visit the event page www.ATMO.org/iberica2017/programa.