Title: Paving the Way for Hydrocarbons: Approaches from Cool Up programme in the MENA Region

Description: When choosing sustainable alternatives to HFCs, hydrocarbons are the prime candidates for certain refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump applications. This side event presents several approaches of countries in the MENA region preparing domestic and regional markets for an enhanced uptake of hydrocarbons as refrigerants. Aspects covered include characteristics of hydrocarbons, the supply chain for refrigerant-grade hydrocarbons and components for use in hydrocarbon equipment, addressing safety issues through technician training and certification as well as the prospect of a regional certification scheme.

Contact:

Barbara Gschrey                       

b.gschrey@oekorecherche.de

Title: From Idea to Action: Creating a Supportive Ecosystem for Effective Implementation of Lifecycle Refrigerant Management in Developing Countries

Description: The need for adopting Lifecycle Refrigerant Management (LRM) has been well recognised across the globe as it presents immense opportunity to prevent the environmental impacts of refrigerant emission, and to fast-track achieving the phase-down targets.

However, past experiences and research suggest that effective implementation of LRM requires creating a supporting ecosystem which includes, inter-alia, establishment of reclamation and destruction facilities, capacity building of the key actors, establishing reverse supply chain, robust monitoring systems, and ensuring financial sustainability of the stakeholders involved at various stages of LRM. This becomes even more challenging in the countries where a significant part of the servicing and maintenance work and handling of end-of-life cooling appliances are done by the informal sector.

The event will convene experts from the international organizations, civil society, and industry, to discuss the challenges identified in effective implementation and way forward, based on the research study undertaken for operationalisation of LRM in India.

Contact:

Sonal Kumar                      

sonal.kumar@ceew.in

Title: Mainstreaming NIK Technologies for Greening RAC Systems

Description: Not-in-Kind (NIK) technologies are non-vapour compression and offer non-fluorocarbon and energy-efficient pathways to green the RAC sector. Despite their significant potential to phase-down Montreal Protocol-controlled substances, their adoption remains limited due to low awareness, insufficient policy support, and underdeveloped markets.

With the rapidly rising demand for cooling, especially in the Global South, and these countries striving to meet their SDG targets without compromising economic growth, a global policy thrust on NIK under the Montreal Protocol can provide the necessary momentum.

This session will bring together experts to discuss the current status of technological and market development, existing barriers, and support required for global scale-up and adoption of NIK technologies.

Contact:

Nidhi Bali                           

nidhi@iforest.global

Title: Incentivising Private Investment in Lifecycle Refrigerant Management

Description: As a global leader in LRM, A-Gas is often asked how we make our investment decisions regarding which countries to establish LRM infrastructure within. While the requirement to increase refrigerant recovery rates is a global issue, establishing a ‘circular model’ including recovery, reclamation and destruction is a significant cost and requires investment certainty. This presentation will cover key considerations when making such investment decisions, understanding that optimal environmental outcomes will be best achieved when both public and private investment are complimentary to each other and effectively applied.

Contact:

Elvira Nigido                 

elvira.nigido@agas.com

Title: Introducing Green Cooling in West and Central Africa - Experiences by the ROCA Project

Description: The project Refroidissement respectueux de l'Ozone et du Climat en Afrique de l'Ouest et Centrale (ROCA) promotes Green Cooling in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mali, and Senegal. In this side event, ROCA representatives present results and lessons learnt of their work including capacity development, technology transfer and policy advice. In each area, ROCA has had successes but also encountered challenges. This side event will give more insights on these experiences and share recommendations for future project activities.

Contact:

Kerstin Kress                                  

kerstin.kress@giz.de

Title: Overcoming Barriers to Natural Refrigerant Adoption in Developing Countries: Policy and Technological Pathways

Description: Join us for an insightful discussion on the opportunities and challenges surrounding the adoption of natural refrigerants in developing countries. This event will explore current policies and regulations, highlighting the hurdles faced by the industry and governments and providing strategies to overcome them. Learn about key regulatory frameworks, technological advancements, and opportunities to leapfrog toward environmentally friendly refrigerant based solutions.

Contact:

Yosr Allouche            

y.allouche@iifiir.org