Categories: Press Releases

12 February 2026

As of 1 January 2026, Australia’s HFC import quota was further reduced by 19%.

The total quota for 2026–27 is now set at 4.25 million tonnes CO₂-equivalent, representing nearly a 50% reduction from the original baseline. The phasedown will continue to step down progressively, reaching an 85% reduction by 2036.

In the second half of 2025, we began to see a decisive market shift away from certain high global warming potential refrigerants but the current demand for high GWP refrigerants is not sustainable. This transition must continue and accelerate if our industry is to successfully manage the quota restrictions.

What this means for you:

• High-GWP refrigerants are likely to have reduced availability through the wholesale network
• Price volatility is likely to continue, particularly for legacy blends and high-GWP refrigerants
• It has become even more important to start transitioning to lower GWP refrigerants
• Refrigerant stewardship programs are available to customers where assistance is required on large system replacements

As part of managing the phasedown responsibly, we wish to advise that certain refrigerants have reached, or are approaching, end-of-life availability within our Gas2Go refrigerant range.

The following refrigerants have been, or will be, phased out: R507, R407F, R438A, R422D

Refrigerants that are likely to see constrained supply throughout and beyond 2026: R404A, R410A, R407C

What can be done:

We strongly encourage contractors and end users to begin planning the transition to lower-GWP alternatives to ensure long-term supply security and regulatory compliance.

Consider what investments need to be made by your clients to move to newer equipment using lower GWP refrigerant, reducing cost of ownership for end users.

To support this, we are pleased to be able to provide a Refrigerant Stewardship Program that is available to all Gas2Go customers. Information on our Refrigerant Stewardship Program is available here (https://gas2go.com.au/refrigerant-buy-back-offer/).

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Round 7 of the Kirby Apprentice Fund (KAF) CO₂ Training Scholarship is now open for applications. The scholarship program continues Kirby’s commitment to supporting the next generation of refrigeration professionals by investing in specialised CO₂ training and capability development across the industry.

The KAF CO₂ Training Scholarship is designed to help apprentices build critical skills in natural refrigerants, supporting safer, more sustainable refrigeration practices. Successful applicants will gain access to structured training that enhances both technical knowledge and long-term career opportunities in a rapidly evolving HVAC&R landscape.

The program for 2026 will take place 7-9 April 2026, at the Beijer Ref Headquarters in Sydney. The CO2 Safety and CO2 Repair and Service Systems training will be conducted by SCM REF AU and certified by Superior Training Centre Pty Ltd (RTO ID Number 41122).

Eligible apprentices are encouraged to apply now, as places are limited. Full details, eligibility criteria and the application form can be found here: Download the Application Form.

Or click here to submit your Expression of Interest; https://offers.kirbyhvacr.com.au/kaf-scholarship-application/

Kirby HVAC Partners from across Australia have recently returned from the 2025 Incentive Trip, with Vietnam playing host to an unforgettable adventure.

From the lively streets of Ho Chi Minh City to the historic Cu Chi Tunnels and the scenic Mekong Delta, the itinerary was packed with culture, history, and plenty of fun. Guests enjoyed rooftop dining, bustling market shopping, and some of the best food Vietnam has to offer.

Highlights included a full day exploring the Cu Chi Tunnels, and Vespa bike tours through the city – a favourite for most of the group. Others took part in cooking classes, city cycle tours, or enjoyed downtime by the rooftop pool. A speed-boat ride, transfers via army jeeps and a scenic dinner cruise with a traditional lion dance performance were also included.

The Incentive Trip is our way of recognising and rewarding Kirby HVAC Partners who achieve their sales targets. It’s a chance to step away from business for a few days, enjoy new experiences, and celebrate the hard work and loyalty of our customers.

With the 2025 trip wrapped up, the tally is already underway for 2026. If you’d like to join us on the next adventure, speak with your Kirby representative about how we can work together to reach the qualifying targets.

Step into the future of hot water heating with Gree!

Introducing the Gree Inverter Hot Water Heat Pump, a revolution in energy-efficient hot water solutions. Designed for both residential and commercial use, this advanced system delivers hot water up to 70°C without the need for a booster element, thanks to cutting-edge inverter technology and the environmentally friendly R290 refrigerant.

With a COP of 5.41, it produces 2.3kW of heating using just 0.426kW of input power, delivering up to 70% energy savings. Available in 200L and 270L tank sizes, both units are built for durability, featuring a crystal titanium enamel-coated tank that has been tested for 1080 hours of acid resistance and corrosion protection.

The unit features a dedicated inverter compressor, external microchannel heat exchanger, and Wi-Fi programmable control for maximum convenience and performance. Quiet (44dB), weather-resistant, and easy to install outdoors, it’s the perfect upgrade from traditional gas systems.

Backed by Gree Australia’s 6-year parts and labour warranty, the Gree Inverter Hot Water Heat Pump is where innovation meets reliability.

The Kirby Apprentice Fund has successfully delivered Round 6 of its CO₂ Training Scholarship Program, equipping a full class of 20 fourth-year apprentices with nationally recognised accreditation in CO₂ Safety and CO₂ System Repair and Service (UEERA0006 and UEERA0066).

Participants undertook award-winning, industry-leading training at the Beijer Ref Academy, delivered by SCM REF AU, certified by Superior Training Centre and further enriched by product and controls training from Appion, Supercool Group, Danfoss and Copeland.

Apprentices praised the course for its quality and impact:

“Extremely beneficial course. Great equipment, company providing insight. Very knowledgeable teachers and a great learning environment.” – M. Stitz, Alpine Refrigeration

“All the instructors were very knowledgeable and passionate which made the learning experience very easy and enjoyable. Thank you team!” – M. Mutkins, ARA Mechanical

Special acknowledgement goes to the participating employers who supported their apprentices through this upskilling initiative, including Value Added Engineering QLD, Specific Refrigeration and Mechanical Services VIC, Woolworths, Elite Refrigeration QLD, Premiair Pty Ltd VIC, Ultra Refrigeration NSW, TSR Refrigeration QLD, Award Refrigeration NSW, Control Air SA, Matthew Bedelph TAS, Thermal Care QLD, Mackie Electric & Refrigeration NSW, Sims Refrigeration SA and NT, TVHi NSW, O’Connors SA, Alpine Refrigeration QLD, and ARA Mechanical Services Pty Ltd NSW.

In 2025 alone, 40 HVACR apprentices have benefited from this scholarship program, made possible through the generous support of Kirby HVACR, ARBS Education and Research Foundation, ARC, Woolworths, Supercool Group, Danfoss, and Copeland.

Established in 2019, the Kirby Apprentice Fund was created to provide apprentices with tool support, training, and development opportunities they need to succeed. Since then, it has become a cornerstone investment in the next generation of HVACR professionals, helping to close the CO2 technology skills gap and ensuring a strong and capable workforce for the future.

Kirby HVACR and Beijer Ref remain committed to growing the program into 2026 and beyond. All HVACR apprentices are encouraged to register at kirbyhvacr.com.au to take full advantage of the opportunities offered by the Fund.

Thanks to the Kirby Apprentice Fund, another group of 4th-year apprentices will undertake certified CO₂ training at the Beijer Ref Academy this September.

This initiative represents the second round of training scholarships for 2025, proudly sponsored by the ARBS Education and Research Foundation, together with the Australian Refrigeration Council, Woolworths, Supercool Group, Sauermann, Danfoss, and Copeland.

Industry interest from 4th-year apprentices has once again been outstanding, with all applicants demonstrating a strong commitment to upskilling and achieving accreditation in natural refrigerant technology. Twenty (20) scholarships have been awarded across NSW, VIC, TAS, NT, and SA.

While the scholarship provides extensive support for both apprentices and employers, we also acknowledge and congratulate the participating employers for their additional investment of time and resources beyond the scholarship coverage.

By the end of 2025, a total of 40 apprentices will have completed their training and achieved national accreditation in CO₂ Safety and CO₂ System Repair and Service. This program, delivered in collaboration with Superior Training Centre (RTO ID: 41122), is making a tangible contribution to addressing the industry’s skills gap in the safe handling and servicing of CO₂ systems.

Not only does this initiative enhance individual career development, but it also strengthens businesses across the sector, as apprentices return with advanced knowledge and skills to share with their colleagues.

Congratulations to the following apprentices.

R.Sutton Woolworths Facilities Management, NSW
J.Booth Woolworths 360, VIC
J.Abela Value Added Engineering NQ, QLD
T.Thompson Specific Refrigeration and Mechanical Services, VIC
A.Chand Woolworths, NSW
A.Kumar Elite Refrigeration, QLD
A.Burnell Premiair Pty Ltd, VIC
M.Durand Ultra Refrigeration, NSW
J.Hughes TSR Refrigeration, QLD
L.Haggerly Award Refrigeration, NSW
S.DeWilde Control Air, SA
M.Crawford Matthew Bedelph, TAS
O.Lepp Thermal Care, QLD
M.Perry Mackie Electric & Refrigeration, NSW
J.Burgess Sims Refrigeration, NT
T.Riordan TVH, NSW
A.Book O’Connors
L.Sims Sims Refrigeration, SA
M.Stitz Alpine Refrigeration, QLD
M.Mutkins ARA Mechanical Services, NSW

18/08/2025

To our valued customers,

As part of our ongoing commitment through the Refrigerant Stewardship Program, we wish to inform you of important updates regarding the availability of certain refrigerants. Some refrigerants are now reaching end-of-life status or are becoming increasingly supply-constrained. Specifically:

• Limited Supply: R507, R407F, R438A
• Nearly Exhausted: R422D

Once our current stock of these refrigerants is depleted, we will no longer be able to support their use.

In addition, due to a further 19% reduction in the national refrigerant import quota effective 1st January 2026, high-GWP refrigerants such as R404A may become increasingly difficult to source throughout the year, depending on demand.

We strongly urge contractors and end users to plan for the transition to lower-GWP alternatives. It is critical that:

• No new systems are designed using R404A or R507
• All new systems are specified with lower-GWP refrigerants in line with current environmental and regulatory expectations

For detailed information on suitable alternatives and available products, please visit:
https://gas2go.com.au/products/

We appreciate your continued support and look forward to assisting you with sustainable and compliant refrigeration solutions.

Best regards,

Louie Delinicolis

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The Kirby Apprentice Fund is pleased to launch the September 2025 intake of their CO2 training scholarships. Open to 4th-year HVACR apprentices, this is nationally certified CO2 training delivered at the Beijer Ref Academy by SCM REF Australia and Superior Training Centre (RTO 41122 CRICOS Provider Number 03591C).

Proudly sponsored by the ARBS Foundation, this is the second scholarship intake for 2025 from Kirby.

The program is recognised for its valued contribution to the advancement of natural technology and skills development within the hvacr industry, and participants also receive Green Scheme Accreditation, sponsored by the Australian Refrigeration Council.

The Kirby Apprentice Fund CO2 Training Scholarship offer is strictly limited to 15 placements only in September 2025. The program will be conducted 23-25 September and includes;

• Award-winning CO2 Safety and CO2 System Repair and Service training conducted by SCM REF AU and Superior Training Centre at the Beijer Ref Academy.
• Refrigeration systems controls training, conducted by Copeland and Danfoss
• New refrigerants training, conducted by Beijer Ref
• Australian Refrigeration Council Green Scheme Accreditation (2 years).

Download the Application Form here.

Scholarships will be awarded on the merit of the application.

Applications are open now and close 31 July 2025.

For more information, email training@kirbyhvacr.com.au

Gree Australia is proud to announce its presence at the Building Ideas Centre in Adelaide, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the latest in Gree’s cutting-edge heating and cooling technology.

The new Gree display has been thoughtfully designed to showcase a full range of innovative, energy-efficient products for residential and commercial applications. Visitors can explore, touch, and compare Gree’s newest solutions in an interactive and informative setting.

Gree product specialists will also assist to provide expert guidance and support to help homeowners, builders, and industry professionals find the right solution for their home or upcoming project.

“We are excited to bring the Gree experience to the Building Ideas Centre,” said Stacey Nicholls, National Sales Manager, Gree Australia. “This space allows customers to engage directly with our products and understand the performance and design benefits Gree delivers.”

We invite you to visit the Gree display at the Building Ideas Centre and discover why Gree is a global leader in climate control technology.

Location: Building Ideas Centre, 279 Grote St, Adelaide

Opening Hours: Mon to Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm, Sat & Sun: 10:00am – 4:00pm

The Kirby Apprentice Fund has undertaken its 5th apprentice CO2 training scholarship program. 

An unprecedented number of applications from across Australia were received, indicating a desire from our industry apprentices to upskill and a growing awareness that CO2 and natural refrigerants are the future of our HVACR industry.

Thanks to sponsorship from The ARBS Education & Research Foundation, SuperCool Group, Woolworths and the support of our listed suppliers, the course was conducted at full capacity with 20 HVACR apprentices in attendance.

The nationally accredited training delivered at the Beijer Ref Academy by SCM REF AU and Superior Training Centre (RTO 41122) is the same program to have won the 2024 ARBS Award for Most Outstanding Education and Training. The group also received some system controls training from Copeland and Danfoss.

Congratulations to the recipients listed and their respective companies for supporting the apprentices in their trade learning and this upskilling initative.

Thank you to Australian Refrigeration Council, Copeland, Danfoss, Sauermann Australasia, Testo Australia, Aspen Pumps Asia Pacific, Veto Pro Pack for their continued support of the program.

As part of its commitment to supporting industry apprentices and strengthening the technical skills of the HVAC&R industry, CO2 training scholarships were awarded to twenty 4th-year HVAC&R apprentices across Australia. The apprentices undertook nationally accredited training to gain competency in CO2 Safety and CO2 System Repair and Service.
 
Alex Pashias (Gordon Brothers Industries, VIC)
Sarah Werth (Woolworths Refrigeration Installation, QLD),
Mitch Mellis (All State Refrigeration, VIC),
Nathan Hare (All State Refrigeration, VIC),
Edward Gilson (Queensland Alumina Limited, QLD),
Adam Morgan (Clements A/C Refrigeration and Electrical, NSW)
Bailey Loekkenar (Always Cool Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, QLD)
Brayden Whellum REM (Rampage Expertise SA)
Dylan Burns (Westcool, WA)
Bradley Kennedy (Fredon, ACT)
Jake Roberts (Alpine Refrigeration, QLD)
James Ahern (Alpine Refrigeration, QLD)
Khan Donald (Kingaroy Refrigeration and Airconditioning, QLD)
Brendan Cann (Elite Refrigeration, QLD)
Liam Salmond (Ultra Refrigeration, NSW)
Michael Raglus (Strathbrook Regional Services, NSW)
Imogen Stephens (Woolworths Group, VIC)
Austin Strawbridge (Woolworths Group Pty Ltd, SA)
Isaac Lacey (Cold Concepts, VIC)
Nick Gourley (Woolworths Refrigeration Installation, VIC)

HVACR Apprentices wanting to maximise their opportunities from the Kirby Apprentice Fund are invited to register at Apprentice Registration.