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South Korea’s ‘First-Ever’ Transcritical CO₂ Supermarket

In early 2026, the Ministry of Science and ICT of South Korea unveiled a record-breaking R&D investment plan. A total of 151.1 billion South Korean won, approximately 86.5 million euros, will be allocated to climate, environmental and energy sectors, representing a year-on-year increase of 75.2%. The funding will primarily support key technologies including hydrogen energy and carbon capture and utilization (CCU). An official from the ministry stated, "As the number of projects and budget scale expand, we will manage these initiatives efficiently to help address the climate crisis effectively."

Prior to the government's increased investment, enterprises had already taken the lead. Arneg, a world-leading commercial refrigeration equipment manufacturer headquartered in Venice, Italy, completed Korea's first supermarket equipped with a transcritical CO₂ refrigeration system through its Korean subsidiary, setting a measurable successful example for low-carbon transition in the retail industry. The Flat VARIO CO₂ Gas Coolers supplied by Güntner also served as core equipment for the project.

FROM A PIONEER TO A BENCHMARK: A REPLICABLE BUSINESS MODEL

Hanaro Mart operated by Baengnyangsa Agricultural Cooperative in Jangseong-gun opened in September 2023. Covering an area of 1,375 sq meters, it is Korea's first supermarket adopting the transcritical CO₂ (R744) refrigeration system. Amid increasingly stringent ESG regulations, the owner Baengnyangsa Agricultural Cooperative, affiliated with the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation of Korea, proactively explored a sustainable development approach. 

Despite higher upfront costs compared with conventional R404A systems, the cooperative opted for Arneg's transcritical CO₂ refrigeration solution, aiming to drive the green transformation of its 2,200 retail outlets nationwide.

OPERATIONAL DATA HAS VALIDATED THE WISDOM OF THIS CHOICE:

  • System Comparison: CO₂ Semi-Hermetic Inverter Unit vs. R404A Semi-Hermetic Unit
    • The CO₂ unit delivers a 34% higher coefficient of performance (COP) than the R404A unit
  • Estimated Long-term Electricity Cost Comparison
    • A 57% reduction in electricity consumption versus the R404A system
    • Average daily operation rate: 70%
    • Average electricity price: $0.26 per kWh
  •  CO₂ Emission Reduction
    • Annual carbon footprint reduction: 55.3 tons of CO₂ equivalent

ENSURING HIGH-PRESSURE AND RELIABLE OPERATION

In a transcritical CO₂ system, gas coolers are critical components that guarantee heat dissipation efficiency and system stability under high-pressure operating conditions.

I am delighted to collaborate with Arneg on this landmark project. New groundbreaking technologies often raise doubts, but we are fully capable of tackling related challenges. We have state-of-the-art laboratories and extensive project experience across the globe. With more favorable policies being rolled out, I look forward to participating in more similar initiatives.
Youngsu ShinSales Manager at Güntner

Tailored to the project's demanding requirements of a discharge pressure of 130 bar and long-term stable operation, Güntner supplied gas coolers specially designed for transcritical CO₂ cycles. The equipment has become an indispensable technical pillar thanks to the following strengths:

  •  High pressure resistance: Compliant with operating pressures exceeding 100 bar for CO₂ systems
  • Superior heat dissipation: Maintains stable COP without performance degradation under South Korea's summer high temperatures, with the system designed for a peak ambient temperature of 38°C
  • Global engineering expertise: Leveraging data and field verification from numerous CO₂ projects worldwide, including those deployed in extreme climates, to eliminate the owner's concerns over the reliability of new technology
The CO₂ system achieves a 34% higher COP than the R404A system, which fully meets the client's expectations. In terms of energy efficiency and reliability, the unit is fitted with parallel compressors, frequency converters and backup liquid receivers. Waste heat is also recovered to supply hot water for the building.
Gabriele SernaniOverseas Sales Manager of Arneg Korea

DUAL VALIDATION OF TECHNOLOGY AND COMMERCIAL VIABILITY

This project has become a prominent showcase for low-carbon transition in Korean retail sector. The operator even placed the CO₂ refrigeration unit at the main entrance of the supermarket to demonstrate its advantages to the public. Although South Korea has not yet launched subsidy policies for natural refrigerants, the industry is actively promoting their adoption.

The Hanaro Mart project of Baengnyangsa Agricultural Cooperative is not only Korea's first transcritical CO₂ application case, but also proves the reliability and energy-saving value of Güntner Gas Coolers under high-pressure working conditions. With substantial growth in national R&D spending on climate-related technologies, this project provides a replicable and scalable technical model for the low-carbon transformation of Korea's retail industry.

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