GABORONE, BOTSWANA, 25 May 2018 — The first regional workshop in Africa for promoting energy-efficient cooling took place in the capital of Botswana under a unique initiative that is “twinning” government officials together in the common cause of climate protection. The workshop brought together two traditionally separate communities – those responsible for managing compliance with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, and those who craft national energy policies. With their combined expertise and remits, these officials are key to transitioning global markets toward better performing cooling products that also protect our global commons, the Earth’s climate.
Over 90 representatives from 44 governments on the African continent actively participated in this two-day “Twinning Workshop on Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Refrigeration and Air Conditioning”. The workshop was organized by UN Environment’s OzonAction and United for Efficiency initiatives, hosted by Botswana’s Department of Meteorological Services and Department of Energy, and delivered in cooperation with ASHRAE, the international engineering society.
Mr.Cyril Thuso Matshameko, Acting Director of the Botswana Department of Energy jointly opened the workshop with Mr. Balisi Gopolang, Acting Director of the Botswana’s Department of Meteorological Services. By this joint appearance and coordinated messages, the two officials demonstrated their own commitment to the twinning approach.
Dr. Shamila Nair Bedouelle, Head of UN Environment OzonAction, said “The Kigali Amendment was born on the African continent so it is only fitting that the 54 African countries show leadership by identifying and implementing solutions that make the aspirations of this new chapter of the Montreal Protocol into a reality. Energy-efficient refrigeration and air conditioning coupled with alternative refrigerant gases and good servicing and maintenance is a smart approach that can save money for African consumers and business while protecting the environment.”
Mr. Dan Hamza–Goodacre, Executive Director of K-CEP, explained the importance of cooling in climate protection. He noted that “African countries already experience devastating heat and drought which is projected to worsen as global climate pollution continues. Efficient, clean cooling can help reduce pollution and benefit the health and prosperity of the African people. Now is the time for higher standards, sustainable finance and locally owned solutions so that efficient, clean cooling is available to all.”
The catalyst for the workshop series is the Montreal Protocol’s Kigali Amendment. It is helping to protect the climate by phasing down the use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), which are powerful greenhouse gases that exacerbate climate change. HFCs are commonly used in the operation of air conditioners and refrigerators.
Improving the energy efficiency of air conditioners and refrigerators while transitioning to non-HFC alternatives will save consumers and businesses money on their electricity bills. It will also help governments and utilities meet ever growing needs for power, as well as reduce air pollution.
By some estimates, the Montreal Protocol has prevented the equivalent of 135 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions from entering the atmosphere, making it a powerful tool for greenhouse gas reduction. It is poised to do even more under the Kigali Amendment, which enters into force on 1 January 2019.
The meeting provided a platform for the national energy officials to learn more about the Kigali Amendment and for National Ozone Officers to better understand how they could include energy efficiency considerations in their work. ASHRAE presented an overview of air conditioning technology and trainers from Botswana’s national training institute gave a hands-on technology demonstration, which stimulated discussion on the importance of regular maintenance of the air-conditioning equipment.
During the workshop, participants learned about policies for transforming refrigeration and air conditioning markets, and resources and funding options to do so. The International Energy Agency, as well as regional energy organisations and local refrigeration training institutes, presented a variety of information on technology and policy solutions related to energy-efficient cooling. For example, Egypt’s Climate Change Central Department, Ghana's Energy Commission and its Environmental Protection Agency, Rwanda's Ministry of Infrastructure, and the Moroccan Agency for Energy Efficiency shared inspiring country case studies. The ECOWAS Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, African Development Bank and the Rwanda Cooling Initiative presented financing options such programmes.
Important issues such as identifying and engaging relevant stakeholders, considering gender norms and issues, collecting and utilising data, and implementing model policies and programmes were also covered through practical exercises and interactive discussion sessions.
Overall, the workshop achieved its goal of starting a “twinning” dialogue between the Ozone Officers and energy officials, and beginning the flow of information at the national level on the energy efficiency and refrigerants nexus. This link is the first step down the road towards realising the goals of the Kigali Amendment.
The workshop is part of a series supported by the Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program (K-CEP), a philanthropic initiative that is committing $52 million to help developing countries transition to energy-efficient, climate-friendly, and affordable cooling solutions.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
James Curlin, Network and Policy Manager
OzonAction UN Environment
Phone: +33 1 44 37 14 55
Email: jim.curlin@un.org
Brian Holuj, Programme Officer
United for Efficiency UN Environment
Phone: +33 1 44 37 42 60
Email: brian.holuj@un.org
