Panasonic launches outdoor CO2 condensing units in Singapore

Panasonic HVAC & CC Co., Ltd. has launched its outdoor CO2 condensing units in Singapore, expanding its commercial refrigeration business in Southeast Asia.

Launched in August 2026, the units use CO2 (R744) as the refrigerant and are designed for outdoor installation, allowing indoor space to be used for sales areas and service operations.

The launch comes as Singapore strengthens regulations governing refrigerants used in commercial refrigeration equipment as part of its efforts to achieve net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050. Rack-type condensing systems are widely used in the country because they offer flexibility in matching refrigeration capacity to individual requirements. However, they require engineering expertise and sufficient indoor space for the refrigeration equipment.

Panasonic’s new range consists of six models, covering capacities from 2 HP to 20 HP. The units are pre-assembled at the factory before shipment, reducing the engineering and design work required compared with conventional rack systems. This approach can also reduce labour requirements during installation and other on-site work.

The units use R744, which has a global warming potential (GWP) of 1. They are equipped with a compressor developed by Panasonic specifically to operate under the high-pressure conditions required for CO2 refrigeration.

Panasonic first launched an outdoor CO2 condensing unit in Japan in 2010. The technology is now also sold in Europe and Oceania, with cumulative global shipments exceeding 39,000 units as of June 2026.

In Singapore, the technology has been installed at a new store operated by supermarket chain Sheng Siong. According to Panasonic HVAC & CC, as of 27 August 2026, the project was the first installation in Singapore of an outdoor CO2 condensing unit using R744.

Panasonic supplied both the condensing units and refrigerated display cases for the project. The company said it plans to further expand its commercial refrigeration business across Southeast Asia, starting with Singapore.

The industrial refrigeration, commercial refrigeration, logistics, frozen food, and cryogenics sectors will meet at REFRIGERA, the international event dedicated to the industry, which will be held at Bologna Exhibition Center from 10 to 12 November 2027.