New York Natural Refrigerant Demonstration Program

Funder: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)

Geographic Scope: New York State only

Overview:
This initiative provides financial support for food retailers to fully or partially transition existing stores to climate-friendly natural refrigerants. The program is available to food retail facilities in New York State disadvantaged communities that use high-global-warming-potential hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant systems.

Eligible Applicants:

• Food retail facilities
• Located in New York State disadvantaged communities
• Currently using HFC refrigerant systems

Funding to Date:
Total of $675,000 has been provided to support 4 demonstration projects

Example Awards:

• ALDI (Buffalo, NY): $225,000 (full CO₂ system replacement)
• Walgreens (Islandia, NY): $96,494.99 (partial CO₂ conversion)
• Key Foods (Bronx, NY - White Plains Rd.): $178,505.01 (R-290 self-contained cases)
• Key Foods (Bronx, NY - Tremont Ave.): $175,000.00 (R-290 self-contained cases)

Technologies Supported:

• CO₂ transcritical systems (R-744)
• CO₂ condensing units
• R-290 self-contained air-cooled cases

Emissions Impact:
Projects demonstrate significant GHG reductions (ranging from 2,000–6,000 MTCO2e over 20 years)

Future Opportunities:
NASRC is collaborating with DEC to support rollout of a larger funding initiative aimed at providing financial assistance to:

• Food cooperatives
• Food banks
• Other nonprofit food retailers in disadvantaged communities

Services Available:
NASRC can support project scoping and technology selection at no cost for those considering starting a project

Contact Information:
Contact NASRC to learn more about funding opportunities and to secure funds

Application Process

1. Submit Interest Form: Click link to submit an Interest Form to the program (available on nasrc.org/ny-grant-pilot-program)
2. Project Consultation: NASRC can support project scoping and technology selection at no cost
3. Contact NASRC: Reach out to discuss funding opportunities and next steps

Free Training Opportunity:
NASRC offers free Natural Refrigerant Training for Refrigeration Technicians through the Natural Refrigerant Training Summit

• Location: Poughkeepsie, NY
• Dates: February 10–12, 2026
• Content: Comprehensive training on CO₂ and propane from multiple manufacturers and industry experts
• Open to: All refrigeration technicians from all locations
• Co-hosted with: New Yorkers for Clean Power