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Feature some businesses focus on survival amid market challenges , others capitalise on growth opportunities , leading to a dynamic landscape of industry players .
The geographical distribution of refrigeration projects also reflects the diversity of the market . For instance , while Cape Town may be a hub for certain fruits , the Eastern Cape emerges as a prominent location for ice cream production , catering not only to local demand but also to international markets .
Fredericks concludes that the increased usage of ammonia as a refrigerant signifies a strategic response to evolving market dynamics , driven by a combination of economic , regulatory and operational factors . “ As industries continue to prioritise efficiency and sustainability , the role of ammonia in refrigeration is expected to expand further , shaping the future of cold chain logistics and food security initiatives both locally and globally .”
CLIMATE CHANGE AND CHALLENGES FOR THE HVACR INDUSTRY SAIRAC Johannesburg President , Robert Fox , delivered the following presentation in a previous Tech Talk , addressing the crucial topic of ‘ Climate Change and Challenges for the HVACR Industry ’.
In the early 1970s , scientists at NASA made a noteworthy observation of peculiar ozone readings over the Arctic region . Subsequent research led them to publish a study proposing the existence of an ozone hole , which was met with general scepticism . However , by 1980 , as the ozone hole expanded , it garnered global attention and sparked further investigations . This turning point gave rise to the Vienna Convention , which aimed to tackle ozone depletion , and culminated in the Montreal Protocol of 1987 .
The Montreal Protocol galvanised international commitment to reduce the use of chlorofluorocarbon ( CFC ) refrigerants . The ozone hole continued to expand until the year 2000 , exacerbated by shifting weather patterns . Only in 2015 did the expansion cease , with a reduction of 20 %, thanks to concerted efforts . Subsequently , the Kigali Amendment emerged , focusing on the global warming potential ( GWP ) and necessitating the phased elimination of hydrochlorofluorocarbons ( HCFCs ) and phase down of hydrofluorocarbons ( HFCs ). South Africa ratified this amendment in 2019 .
Our journey in refrigeration dates back to the 1830s when natural refrigerants were first employed . Subsequently in the 1930s , R12 – a synthetic refrigerant known for its affordability and safety – was invented . The period between 1950 and the discovery of ozone depletion witnessed the prevalent use of CFCs , followed by HCFCs , with R22 being the most common variant .
In response to the depletion of the ozone layer , the industry transitioned to HFCs . However , in 2015 , the European Union initiated a phase-down of HFCs to achieve a GWP below 150 , thereby redirecting the market towards natural refrigerants . Examples of such environmentally favourable alternatives include ammonia , CO 2
, and hydrocarbons such as R600 and R290 . The Kigali Amendment specifically outlines the phasedown of HFCs .
To comprehensively understand the measures taken to address refrigerant emissions , it is essential to familiarise ourselves with several significant global treaties :
• Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer ( 1987 ): The Montreal Protocol is an international environmental treaty aimed at protecting the ozone layer by phasing out the production and consumption of ozonedepleting substances ( ODS ), including CFCs and HCFCs . It sets specific reduction targets and schedules for the phase-out of these substances , leading to the recovery of the ozone layer .
• Copenhagen Amendment to the Montreal Protocol ( 1992 ): This protocol aimed to accelerate the phase-out of CFCs and HCFCs .
• Kyoto Protocol to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change ( 1997 ): It established binding emission reduction targets for several greenhouse gases , including HFCs , by setting specific emissions limits for developed countries during the first commitment period ( 2008-12 ).
• Beijing Amendment to the Montreal Protocol ( 1999 ): This established a fund , the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol , to assist developing countries financially and technologically .
• Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol ( 2016 ): It specifically addresses the phasedown of HFCs , setting targets and schedules for reducing the production and consumption of HFCs , which are potent greenhouse gases used as substitutes for CFCs and HCFCs . The amendment aims to avoid up to 0.5 ° C of global warming by the end of the century and provides a framework for transitioning to more environmentally friendly alternatives .
These treaties have encouraged the development and use of alternatives that have lower or no impact on the ozone layer and contribute less to climate change .
Commencing in 2024 , South Africa embarks on the phasedown of HFCs with a gradual reduction in the volume of imported refrigerants . Consequently , if the current import stands at 100 tons , the new limit will be 90 tons . However , this transition cannot occur overnight due to the considerable lifespan of installed refrigerant systems , which typically spans 20 years .
The phasedown process is anticipated to be a gradual and protracted transition , and significant changes are not expected in the immediate two to three years . However , we have begun observing the emergence of air-conditioning systems utilising R32 , a refrigerant boasting a superior GWP of less than 750 . While this presents a more favourable option , it is essential for technicians to undergo training in handling the new refrigerants and be aware of their inherent hazards when not handled properly . In the long run ,
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