Launch of Outdoor CO₂ Refrigerant Condensing Units in Singapore

Tokyo, Japan, August 27, 2026 - Panasonic HVAC & CC Co., Ltd. (Panasonic HVAC & CC) has launched its outdoor CO₂ refrigerant condensing units for the Singapore market in August 2026. Singapore is one of the Southeast Asian countries where environmental regulations are being strengthened most rapidly. This product uses CO₂ refrigerant (R744), which has a low environmental impact, and its outdoor installation design helps maximize available store space. Through the introduction of this product in Singapore, Panasonic HVAC & CC will expand its commercial refrigeration business across Southeast Asia.

Singapore is strengthening regulations on refrigerants used in commercial refrigeration equipment as part of its efforts to achieve net-zero CO₂ emissions by 2050 ⁽*¹⁾. Rack-type condensing units ⁽*²⁾, which are widely used in Singapore, offer flexible system design according to the required refrigeration capacity. However, they require advanced engineering expertise and sufficient indoor space to accommodate large-scale equipment. In recent years, supermarkets have continued to open alongside residential developments ⁽*³⁾, and, as in Japan, store layouts must be designed within limited site footprints. In addition, labor-saving solutions are increasingly required in installation and construction work due to labor shortages.

Panasonic HVAC & CC has been developing its condensing unit business in Japan and, in 2010, became the first company in the industry ⁽*⁴⁾ to launch an outdoor CO₂ refrigerant condensing unit using natural refrigerant CO₂. While CO₂ refrigerant has an extremely low GWP of 1, it requires operation under high-pressure conditions to deliver refrigeration performance. Therefore, this product is equipped with a proprietary Panasonic-developed compressor. Today, the product is sold not only in Japan but also in Europe and Oceania, with cumulative shipments exceeding 39,000 units worldwide ⁽*⁵⁾.

Because the unit can be installed outdoors, indoor space that would otherwise be occupied by rack-type refrigeration equipment can be utilized for sales areas or backroom operations. In addition, the lineup consists of six models ranging from 2 HP to 20 HP, enabling flexible configurations according to store size and refrigeration requirements. Since the unit is pre-assembled at the factory prior to shipment, it significantly reduces design workload compared with conventional rack-type systems and contributes to labor savings during on-site installation and construction.

These features align well with the needs of the Singapore market, resulting in the adoption of the product at a new store operated by Sheng Siong, one of Singapore's leading supermarket chains. This represents the first installation in Singapore ⁽*⁶⁾ of an outdoor CO₂ refrigerant condensing unit using R744 refrigerant. Panasonic HVAC & CC develops, manufactures, and sells both condensing units and display cases for supermarkets, and has established a supply framework that combines both product categories across Southeast Asia. In this project, both products were adopted together, enabling the delivery of a comprehensive refrigeration solution. Panasonic HVAC & CC will continue expanding its business throughout Southeast Asia, beginning with the Singapore market.

*1 Based on "NEA to Introduce Measures to Further Reduce Emissions from Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Equipment" published on May 28, 2026 by the National Environment Agency of Singapore

*2 Large-scale chillers installed in machine rooms for centralized control of multiple refrigeration systems and display cases within a store

*3 Based on "Supermarket, Food Court and Wellness Trail to Open at Tengah's Newest Neighbourhood Centre in 1Q 2026" published on December 5, 2025 by the Housing Development Agency of Singapore

*4 Chillers using CO₂ refrigerant (R744). Panasonic HVAC & CC survey. As of September 2010

*5 Cumulative global shipments of Panasonic's CO₂ Refrigerant Condensing Units as of June 2026

*6 As an outdoor CO₂ refrigerant condensing unit using R744 refrigerant. According to Panasonic HVAC & CC research. As of August 27, 2026