On March 26, 2026, as part of MCE – Mostra Convegno Expocomfort, Centro Studi Galileo (CSG) and ATF – Association of Refrigeration Technicians promote an international conference dedicated to the evolution of the F-Gas regulatory framework and the transition to alternative refrigerants. The event, titled FROM THE F-GAS REGULATION TO ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS: IMPACT ON NEW AND EXISTING SYSTEMS, will take place from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Libra Conference Room (1st floor) of the Stella Polare Congress Centre, Rho Fiera Milano. Registration will be from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM. Simultaneous translation IT–EN is provided, and at the end of the proceedings, there will be a networking cocktail.
The conference is set within the context of the update to Regulation (EU) 2024/573 and its implementing acts, with a specific focus on the impacts on air conditioning systems, heat pumps, and refrigeration, both new and existing. The presidency will involve representatives from MASE, IIR, EUROVENT, EPEE, AHRI, ACCREDIA, AREA, ATF, and ASSOCLIMA, confirming the institutional and international scope of the initiative.
The division into two sessions will allow for an integrated approach to addressing regulatory aspects, professional qualification, technologies, components, and management of the refrigerant supply chain.
FROM THE F-GAS REGULATION TO ALTERNATIVE REFRIGERANTS: IMPACT ON NEW AND EXISTING SYSTEMS
The Latest Air Conditioning, Heat Pumps and Refrigeration Technologies; Systems, Equipment, Components; Training and Certification; Phase Down
March 26, 2026 | 2.00 – 5.00 PM
Registration: 1.30 – 2.00 pm
Libra Conference Room (1° Piano), Stella Polare Congress Centre | Rho Fiera Milano, MCE 2026
Networking cocktail from 5 PM | Simultaneous translation ITA–EN
PRESIDENTS: MASE | IIR | EUROVENT | EPEE | AHRI | ACCREDIA | AREA | ATF | ASSOCLIMA
14:00 – 15:30 | Session 1
“Regulation, Market Transition & Qualification”
Moderator: Aya El Azhari – EPEE
• Marco Buoni | CSG, ATF, AREA – CEO, Secretary General, Past President Int Affairs
Opening remarks; training and certification on future refrigerants
• Domenico Belli | MASE – Legal Officer
The next steps concerning the new Italian F-Gas decree
• Ilaria Cappiello | ACCREDIA – Technical Officer
Accreditation and certification requirements under the new F‑Gas framework
• Francesco Scuderi, Yannick Cotrelle | Eurovent – Secretary General / Market Intelligence Manager
Refrigerant trends
• Carmelo Di Pasquale | Nippon Gases – Product Manager
Application and safety criteria for A2L refrigerants in compliance with EN 378 in HVAC-R systems
• Gaia Balzarini | Danfoss – Director of Industrial Affairs and Strategic Projects
Turning targets into worksites: the competences Europe needs to electrify its heating sector
• Aya El Azhari | EPEE – Policy Manager
Latest regulatory framework: updated Regulation (EU) 2024/573 & implementing acts covering fluorinated gases and alternative refrigerants; exemptions due to safety requirements under Annex IV
Intermediate debate, Q&A session
The session will delve into the process of the new Italian decree implementing Regulation (EU) 2024/573, including the F-Gas database, certification and training obligations for natural and alternative refrigerants (HC, CO₂, NH₃, HFO), the sanctions system, and provisions for stationary and mobile equipment. The progress of the phase-down of high GWP HFCs, the timing of the bans, and the implications for installation and maintenance will also be analyzed, with reference to the issue of illegal trade.
15:30 – 17:00 | Session 2
“Technology, Components & Systems for Low-GWP and Natural Refrigerants”
Moderator: Prof. Enrico Fabrizio – Politecnico di Torino
• Maurizio Marchesini | Assoclima – President
• Francesco Fabris | IIR – Scientific Coordinator
Road refrigerated transport in hot climates
• Simone Girardi, Gianmarco Gottardo | BITZER – Head of Application Engineering HEXPV/Application Engineer
Efficiency enhancement in data center cooling applications through combined optimization of hybrid evaporator, screw compressor and water-cooled condenser
• Massimo Salmaso | Mitsubishi Electric– Education & Training Specialist
Ready for propane?
• Vincenzo Scarano | GeneralGas – Director of Environmental Operations
Circular economy of refrigerant gases: from waste to controlled and certified reclaimed refrigerants
• Bill Tritsis | AHRI – Senior Vice President Certification and Standards
Latest updates on American trends, new refrigerants and technologies; comparison with Europe
Final debate, Q&A
The second session will focus on the ongoing technological change: system architectures, components compatible with low GWP and natural refrigerants, real applications with CO₂ and hydrocarbons, safety criteria, leak detection, tools and appropriate instrumentation for A2L and natural refrigerants. Issues related to supply chain management, sourcing of virgin or regenerated gas, regulatory compliance, modernization of plants, and integration of heat pumps into energy efficiency strategies and low climate impact transition will also be addressed.