47th meeting of the Open-ended Working Group of the Parties

Title: HFC consumption modelling tool - Consumption assessment and projections

Description: The Multilateral Fund (MLF) Secretariat is working with the Eric and Wendy Schmidt Center for Data Science and Environment on a tool to assist Article 5 countries in assessing HFC consumption levels and trends and in designing and assessing the impact of policies and measures to support the HFC phase-down. The tool has been developed with input from a few countries and from Secretariat staff, taking into consideration the user-friendliness of the tool for quick and easy assessment of HFC consumption, trends, and the impact of different policy interventions on HFC consumption projections.

During the side event, representatives from the MLF Secretariat and the Schmidt Center will present the tool, demonstrate its use for country-specific situations, and take feedback from the participants on the operational aspects and its usefulness, in supporting the implementation of HFC phase-down activities as well as provide clarifications.

Contact: Balaji Natarajan   

balaji.natarajan@un.org

Title: Lifecycle Refrigerant Management: Recovery, Reclamation, and Policy Innovations

Description: This session will examine the business case for lifecycle refrigerant management, including recovery, reclamation, and destruction. Speakers will address market conditions, technical and financial barriers, and evolving policies that impact investment, compliance, and global trade.

Contact: Kevin Fay

fay@alcalde-fay.com

Title: Application of Natural Refrigerants and Alternative Technologies in Key Industrial Sectors: Case Studies in China

Description: The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer has been instrumental in phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and is now effectively addressing high global warming potential (GWP) hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) through the Kigali Amendment. As countries move forward with HFC phase-down, the focus is increasingly shifting towards the adoption of low-GWP alternatives, including natural refrigerants (such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons) and other innovative technologies. This transition presents significant opportunities to enhance energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote sustainable industrial development.

China, as a major global manufacturer and consumer in the cooling and foam sectors, has been at the forefront of implementing policies and technologies to transition away from HCFCs and HFCs. Its experiences and case studies offer valuable lessons and best practices for other developing countries undertaking similar transitions. This side event will provide a platform to showcase successful applications of natural refrigerants and alternative technologies in key industrial sectors in China, highlighting their environmental, economic, and technical benefits.

Contact: Yunrui Zhou   

y.zhou@unido.org

Viktoriia Kotlubei  

v.kotlubei@unido.org

Title: Japan’s Fluorocarbons Control Policy and Industry's Actions toward Carbon Neutrality by 2050

Description: As Japan is moving toward Carbon Neutrality including HFCs emission sector by 2050, action and cooperation among stakeholders are the key for the achievement.

In this side event, METI (Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) and MOE (Ministry of the Environment) of the Government of Japan will provide the update on its Fluorocarbons control policy and latest activities on Initiative on Fluorocarbons Life Cycle Management (IFL). JRAIA (The Japan Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Industry Association) will provide latest efforts and challenges industry face to achieve Japan’s target for CN2050.

Contact: Miyuki Tsuji   

tsuji@jraia.or.jp

Title: Roundtable: A Blueprint for Regional Centres of Excellence for Sustainable Cooling

Description: This event will explore how to set up and manage regional centres of excellence for sustainable cooling in developing countries. It will highlight how these centres can support energy efficiency improvements and HFC phase-down. Organisers will share lessons from successful regional models and energy efficiency centres in developing countries, and present practical options and recommendations for setting up and running such centres. The event will feature a roundtable discussion where participants can exchange ideas and explore different approaches.

Contact: Akash Goenka 

agoenka@nrdcindia.org

Title: Smart and Efficient Cooling and the perspectives for Future of Refrigeration and AC Education

Description: The side event will explore the role of private sector in shaping training and educational demands in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning; trends that would impact education in relation to refrigerants, energy efficiency, and IoT integration; country experience in deploying improved training skills; and a presentation from a laboratory on innovation in training and education using physical equipment and virtual reality.

Contact: Paloma Somohano  

paloma.somohano@undp.org