New additions to the Opteon™ portfolio support high-performance, sustainable cooling solutions in stationary chillers for AI-driven data centers, and commercial HVAC applications
The Chemours Company today announced the launch of Opteon™ ZE (R-1234ze(E)) and Opteon™ 515B (R-515B) for stationary chiller applications. The products further expand the industry-leading Opteon™ portfolio and provide customers with additional low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerant options for large-scale cooling applications, including rapidly growing AI and data center infrastructure.
“AI is reshaping the demands placed on cooling infrastructure, and customers need solutions that can keep pace without compromising efficiency, reliability, or long-term regulatory readiness,” said Joseph Martinko, President, Thermal & Specialized Solutions at Chemours. “With Opteon™ ZE and Opteon™ 515B, Chemours is expanding the choices available to chiller OEMs and operators as they build and maintain the critical systems powering data centers, commercial buildings, and other mission critical environments, while further strengthening our position in attractive, high-growth cooling applications.”
As demand for artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and digital infrastructure continues to grow, data center operators face increasing cooling requirements, higher heat loads, strict uptime requirements, and the need for solutions that can scale with future growth. Opteon™ ZE and Opteon™ 515B are low-GWP refrigerants designed to help address these challenges with efficient heat removal, reliable performance, and scalability, while supporting decarbonization and climate goals.
The products also support Chemours' continued focus on higher-value applications, including data center infrastructure, where long-term demand trends are driving increased investment in cooling solutions.
Opteon™ ZE (R-1234ze(E)) is a hydrofluoroolefin (HFO) based refrigerant engineered to deliver exceptional performance, characterized by an ultra-low GWP of approximately 1 (AR5), and zero ozone depletion potential (ODP). It has an ASHRAE A2L classification (mildly flammable). It is well suited for air- and water-cooled chillers, commercial air conditioning, heat pumps, and data center cooling applications. Opteon™ ZE offers high energy efficiency and compatibility with commonly used polyolester oil (POE) lubricants.
Opteon™ 515B (R-515B) is a zero ODP refrigerant blend consisting of approximately 91.1% R-1234ze(E) and 8.9% R-227ea. Featuring a GWP of approximately 293 (AR4) and an ASHRAE A1 classification (no flame propagation). For conventional chiller applications, Opteon™ 515B offers a balance of lower GWP, performance, and ease of adoption for customers transitioning from higher-GWP refrigerants.
Together, these products strengthen Chemours’ position as a leading provider of low-GWP refrigerant solutions, expanding the company’s ability to support a broader range of chiller applications while complementing its existing portfolio of Opteon™ refrigerants used in air conditioning, refrigeration, heat pumps, and across the HVACR industry.
Importantly, Chemours is uniquely positioned to supply these products through its extensive fluorochemicals expertise, and intellectual property portfolio. The company is confident in its ability to manufacture and sell Opteon™ ZE and Opteon™ 515B while respecting applicable intellectual property rights and supporting customers with dependable long-term supply.
Opteon™ ZE and Opteon™ 515B are available now in strategic countries, with additional market availability expected to follow aligned with market demand.
