RACA Journal June 2025 RACA_June2025 | Page 5

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SADC RAC COUNTRY PHASE-OUT OF HCFCS AND HFCS IN LINE WITH INTERNATIONAL PROTOCOLS

By Eamonn Ryan derived from the presentation

In a presentation delivered to the SADC RAC, president Caign Manyukwa outlined the progress and challenges among member NOUs.

In a presentation delivered to the Southern African

Development Community Refrigeration and Air Conditioning( SADC RAC) members, Manyukwa reviewed progress in the phase-out of Hydrochlorofluorocarbons( HCFCs) and Hydrofluorocarbons( HFCs) in line with international protocols. This effort is part of a broader strategy to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants, particularly in alignment with the Montreal Protocol and its subsequent Kigali Amendment.

“ By December 2024, SADC RAC countries are committed to reducing their HCFC consumption by 60 %, based on a baseline of 5 120 ozone depleting potential tons. This target has already been exceeded ahead of schedule, with the region already achieving substantial reductions. This sets a strong foundation for the target of a 67.5 % reduction in HCFC consumption by 2025, which is in line with the Montreal Protocol’ s objectives,” he says.

In the long-term, the SADC region is set to allow only 2.5 % of HCFCs to be imported by 2026, a significant step toward the complete phase-out of HCFCs by 2030. The 2.5 % import ceiling will be maintained from 2026 through to 2030, after which the goal is to eliminate HCFC consumption entirely.

Manyukwa noted that the reduction targets present significant challenges, particularly for countries that rely on neighbouring nations for access to refrigerants. He explained that, while South Africa has taken on a major role in supplying refrigerants to the region, the 2.5 % import ceiling means that neighbouring countries will face limited quantities of refrigerants in the years ahead.

This restriction, while crucial for environmental protection, poses logistical and operational challenges. Manyukwa stressed the need for regional collaboration to overcome these barriers, especially considering resource constraints and the growing demand for refrigerants in the region.

One key solution proposed to address these challenges is reclamation and recovery. Manyukwa emphasised that through intensified efforts in refrigerant recovery, SADC RAC countries can mitigate the effects of limited refrigerant supplies. By recovering and recycling refrigerants, countries can continue to maintain their refrigeration and air conditioning equipment without relying on imports of new refrigerants.

Manyukwa also shared positive updates from specific countries within the region. For example, Botswana achieved a remarkable 35 % reduction in HCFC consumption by 2020. The country also made significant strides in building local capacity by training 115 technicians. Meanwhile, eSwatini has reached an impressive milestone of being 100 % HCFC-free and has fully transitioned to the use of hydrocarbons as refrigerants.

However, Manyukwa cautioned that financial and technical constraints remain major hurdles for many countries in the region. As such, there is a pressing need for international support, both in terms of funding and technical expertise, to ensure that SADC nations can continue their progress toward the complete phase-out of HCFCs and HFCs.

SADC RAC, president Caign Manyukwa.

“ This effort is part of a broader strategy to reduce the environmental impact of refrigerants, particularly in alignment with the Montreal Protocol and its subsequent Kigali Amendment.”

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