EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS |
INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN |
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“ No countries are exempt – developed and developing alike – though each has to ratify their phase downs targeting production and consumption of the 18 Pure HFCs control and blend contained according to a specific schedule ”, noted Kochova .
Consumption means imports minus exports – because in South Africa ’ s case there is no local production . There will be baselines to be calculated for both HFCs and HCFCs . Group 1 Annexure F has two groups : one with 18 HFCs , and a second being byproducts of R22 HFC 23 , which has a high GWP of 14 800 . Countries are divided into different groups with South Africa being part of the Group 1 parties – a grouping which has a year ’ s freeze in 2024 .
She explained that South Africa has to establish an HFC baseline based on the average consumption over the years 2020 , 2021 and 2022 . For the past two years , the consumption of all agencies that import into the country will be aggregated to get this baseline calculation , and added on will be 65 % of the already established HCFC baseline consumption from the years 2009 and 2010 . “ This freeze in consumption will come into play next year . This is why it ' s important for countries to be ready and to have mandatory licensing monitoring systems , as well as reporting , which goes to the respective international secretariats for country programmes under the MLF .
“ Following the 2024 freeze year , five years later in 2029 , there is the first reduction of 10 %. This is something that South Africa will have to start planning
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towards now . Next comes the 30 % reduction by 2035 , 50 % by 2040 and 80 % by 2045 . Thereafter , all countries are expected to consume no more than 15 % to 20 % of their respective baselines , depending on which group they fall under .”
Kochova noted that the reason why it ' s not a complete phase out like the HCFC is to allow for a transition in terms of technologies and different sectors to be agreed upon .
For the 65 % of the baseline of HCFCs , South Africa has a 369.4 ODP time already calculated , which was based on the 2009 / 10 consumption levels . The calculation of this in terms of tons of CO 2 equivalent involves taking the amount in tons of a particular refrigerant multiplied by the GWP potential of that refrigerant .
“ Monitoring and reporting of HFC consumption and HFC 23 emissions remain relevant and required as part of the whole scheme . This is something that every country has to have in place . South Africa already has an import and export licensing system for the eight HCFCs , which has been extended for the HFCs as well .”
Over the coming years many things will have to be aligned and synchronised to be more effective , like :
• Switching to low-GWP alternatives
• Training to address flammable refrigerants like propane
• Strengthening capacities
• Reclaiming , recovery and recycling during both the HCFC phase out and the HFC phase down , as there may be certain quotas or other restrictions
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“ The next phase countries have to perform is preparing their KIPS ( Kigali HFC Implementation Plans ), which involves devising a strategy on how they plan to achieve these reductions starting with the first 10 % HCFC reduction . This requires targeting the refrigeration servicing sector .
“ There are some opportunities for countries to think about . We ' re not reinventing the wheel as much is already available in terms of administrative frameworks and policies available – simply requiring to upgrade those to cover HCFCs . There are lessons learned from the earlier phase out of CFCs , first , and then HCFCs , which will also be applicable for HFCs .
“ Those lessons are that early action in limiting the growth of HFC consumption is vital . Formulating the strategy will be assisted by having data available regarding HFC consumption across sectors and sub-sectors . The HCFC phase out will not stop , just because we go into an HFC phase down – the two will both continue together ,” she noted .
POSSIBLE CHALLENGES Kochova listed these as :
• There are certain technology dilemmas in terms of applicability for some sectors
• Individual countries will have to address flammability issues through training and growing expertise . This will have to be part of the strategy in each individual country
• Curbing any illegal activity : custom codes have been updated to assist in
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this process to make it more effective and efficient
• Energy efficiency will be a huge component
• Governments have a role to play with the policy and legislation , but there is no one-size-fits-all scenario , in that what works in one country does not mean it can be replicated in another exactly the same . But there are certain aspects which do apply to all countries , and need to be addressed in their own way according to their local circumstances : economic , technological , political , and social .
“ In conclusion , it requires continued commitment to work through these challenges ,” said Kochova . CLA
The authorities in this country are fully aware , and I see no gaps in the strategy presented by government today which has generally identified the requirements .
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