Concentrating on new cooling media
In 1993, CFC-free technology for refrigeration systems and heat pumps was identified as a joint area of strategic research for NTH and SINTEF. This is because the two institutions already possess a considerable amount of competence in this technology. Refrigerants are believed to be of great importance in the way they affect the ozone layer and climatic balance of the earth.
Norway
As far as Norway is concerned, exports of chilled and frozen fish amount to some NOK 20 billion a year, or as much as our exports of gas. About 15% of this country's total electricity production is used to run refrigeration systems. Heat pumps are also in the process of becoming an important technology for Norway. At present, heat generation has reached an annual level of around 3 TWh, and the economical potential is estimated at about 25 TWh.For this reason, it is extremely important to produce new knowhow in the field of efficient and ecologically safe refrigeration and heat-pump technology, which will also result in new jobs and greater exports of environmental technology from Norway.