Industrial refrigeration: ammonia is accelerating

The global ammonia refrigeration systems market was valued at USD 7.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 13.1 billion by 2033, growing at an average annual rate of 5.6% between 2025 and 2033.

This is according to an analysis by Growth Market Reports, reported by Refindustry, which highlights that the main driver is the demand for efficient and low-environmental-impact solutions.

Demand is concentrated in large-scale industrial applications: meat and dairy processing, seafood freezing, beverage production, and cold-chain logistics. There is also significant use in the pharmaceutical and chemical sectors, ice production plants, and district cooling systems, especially in countries with warm climates. Urbanisation in emerging economies and integration with renewable energy sources are further strengthening the trend.

On the technological side, systems are becoming more compact and “smart”, with the adoption of IoT and digital monitoring for leak detection, predictive maintenance, and energy optimisation.

However, challenges remain related to safety—ammonia is toxic at high concentrations and mildly flammable—which requires strict standards and qualified personnel, as well as sometimes higher initial investment costs compared to smaller systems using synthetic refrigerants.

Looking ahead, the report identifies opportunities in automated warehouses, agro-industrial hubs in developing countries, and even data centre cooling. Over the next decade, increased automation, AI integration, safer and more compact designs, and growing synergy with smart grids and green hydrogen infrastructure are expected.

The industrial, commercial, logistics, freezing, and cryogenics refrigeration sector will meet at REFRIGERA, the international industry event, taking place at Bologna Exhibition Centre (Italy), from 10 to 12 November 2027.

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