Approved Feasibility Study for PFAS-Free Refrigeration Systems at FAIR GSI

EKA, together with Assemblin and FAIR/GSI, has now initiated a joint effort to develop future-proof and sustainable refrigeration systems. The project has been made possible through an approved application for feasibility study funding from Big Science Sweden.

A first site visit was recently conducted, during which EKA’s Jörgen Rogstam and Assemblin’s Fredrik Strengbohm met with the team at GSI. The meeting marked the beginning of a close collaboration focused on understanding the existing systems, identifying challenges, and laying the foundation for the next steps.

An Industry Under Transformation

Upcoming EU regulations concerning PFAS and F-gases will bring significant changes to refrigeration systems. For research facilities such as FAIR and GSI, where cooling systems are critical to operations and performance, this transition represents both a technical and strategic challenge.

The feasibility study aims to address this challenge by:

• Identifying and analyzing PFAS-related risks in existing systems

• Evaluating alternative PFAS-free refrigeration technologies

• Integrating sustainability aspects such as energy efficiency and heat recovery

• Developing a concrete roadmap for future implementation

Collaboration as a Driving Force

The project is built on strong collaboration between the partners. EKA contributes expertise in system design and procurement, while Assemblin is responsible for implementation and service. Together, they cover the entire value chain – from concept development to the final solution.

FAIR and GSI contribute deep technical expertise and serve as a testbed for next-generation solutions in research infrastructure.

Turning a Feasibility Study into Real Change 

The ambition is for the feasibility study to result not only in analysis and recommendations but also to pave the way for concrete pilot projects and long-term transformation.

In the long term, the results could:

• Enable broader implementation of PFAS-free refrigeration systems

• Strengthen sustainability efforts within European research infrastructure

• Create a model that can be replicated at other facilities

The first step has now been taken – and the collaboration is already well underway.