Ozone2Climate Technology Roadshow and Industry Roundtable 2016

 

Background

HCFCs have Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) up to 15% of that of CFCs and are also classified substances under Annex-C, Group-I of the Montreal Protocol. The Asia Pacific region is the largest producer and consumer of HCFCs and accounts for 85% and 74% of these chemicals’ global production and consumption. In addition, the region manufactures   most of the Refrigeration, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC&R) equipment  and  is  the fastest growing market in the world.

 

In the XIX^th Meeting of Parties to the Montreal Protocol in September 2007, through its Decision XIX/6, the members adopted an accelerated phase-out schedule for HCFCs. The first control is the freeze on production and consumption of HCFCs from 1 January 2013, at the Baseline Level (average of 2009 and 2010 consumption levels). The control steps are reduction of 10% by 2015, reduction of 35% by 2020, reduction of 67.5% by 2025, reduction of 100% by 2030, allowance of 2.5% of baseline (annual equivalent) for period 2030-2040 and complete phase out by 2040. The Meeting of Parties also has called for efforts “To minimize environmental impacts, in particular impacts on climate” while phasing out HCFCs as per the accelerated phase-out schedule and will be a challenge for industries and policy makers of the region. Even though there are many available alternatives to HCFCs in the market, most are only short- to medium-term solutions given a growing international pressure to move away from refrigerants with high-GWP. As Article 5 Parties embark on HCFCs phase-out, there are excellent opportunities for the refrigeration and air conditioning (R/AC) industry to introduce zero-ODP, energy-efficient, zero- or lower- GWP greener  technologies to achieve  more socio-economic and environmental benefits and fulfill the spirit of the MOP Decision XIX/6.

 

HFCs are one of the main substitutes for HCFCs now. The growth in HFCs demand will remain substantial in particular in Article 5 countries as the popular replacements to HCFCs. The HFCs consumption has increased so rapidly that it causes highly concern globally. EU., U.S., Japan and other developed countries and areas have developed more strict policies and measures for  limiting the usage of  high GWP HFCs and phase-down gradually. The three countries of North America, EU, Island countries and India have submitted HFCs phase down proposals on the meetings of Parties to the Montreal Protocol. HFCs with high GWP value are facing great phase down pressure internationally currently.

 

2014 Report of the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps Technical Options Committee (RTOC-2014) has organized the refrigerants application in kinds of equipment, and has made some prediction for the future usage. In A5 countries, R22 is still the main refrigerant in various refrigeration equipment. Some low and high GWP value HFCs technologies have also matured, such as R410A, R134a, R404A etc.. Some low GWP HFCs and natural refrigerants such as R32, HFO&HFOs, HC, CO₂, R717 have been promoted and attempted in some areas.

 

In the effort towards uptake of zero ODP and Lower GWP alternatives it is essential to overcome technological and market barriers of high incidental cost, information asymmetry, economy of scale etc. To help outreach such zero ODP and lower GWP technologies, UNEP OzonAction has successfully organized its first Ozone2Climate Technology Roadshow and Industry Roundtable in Maldives from 8 to 12 May 2011, back-to-back with the Joint Network Meeting of Ozone Officers from South Asia and West Asia. At the same time, UNEP also launched its virtual exhibition to complement the physical exhibition in Maldives and at the Regional Technology Roundtable on Ozone-and Climate-friendly Technologies for R&AC experts and Ozone Officers from European & Central Asian countries in Serbia during 10-13 May 2011. During 21-22 July 2012, UNEP with US Government and other partners organized Advancing Ozone & Climate Protection Technologies: Next Steps in Bangkok. UNEP with Chinese partner CRAA continuously organized Ozone2Climate Roadshow and Roundtable in China in 2012-2015. UNEP has also partnered with the USEPA on  increasing  awareness  and  capacity  building  in  Asia  Pacific  regions  on  approaches  to maximize ozone and climate benefits in HCFCs phase out programs.

 

China R&AC sector : A situation analysis

China is currently the world’s largest producer and consumer of HCFCs. Due to rapid economic development in the past two decades and resulting demand for consumer, commercial and industrial products in the Foams, Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Solvent Sector, consumption of HCFCs in China has grown significantly. China’s R&AC industry currently consumes more than 40% of national HCFCs consumption. Since 2011, the first stage of HPMP has been passed in the Meeting of Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol and has launched to implement. By the end of 2015, China R&AC sector has realized the target to reduce 10% HCFCs consumption, and has started the compiling work of the second stage of HPMP. As per the phase-out target of Montreal Protocol, China R&AC sector need to phase out 35% HCFCs  by the end of 2020.

 

Under the first stage of HPMP, China has already carried out various activities, in which two demonstration lines completed: ammonia/CO2 cascaded refrigeration system developed by Yantai Moon, and R32 small size commercial water chiller (heat pump) developed by Tsinghua Tongfang. Several training workshops on implementing the conversion projects for beneficiary enterprises have also been conducted leading to 18 conversion contracts comprising of 29 refrigeration production lines and 4 compressor lines towards alternative technologies which are ozone friendly. China has been undertaking a lot ofresearch oriented activities related to safety standards and other barriers for alternative technologies. The revision work of GB 9237 which adopted ISO5149 is expected to completed in 2016.

 

There are significant  policies and technological  developments  in the direction of ozone and climate friendly technologies in the R&AC sector in China as an impact of the HPMP and global policy spin-offs.  Since China is a one of the biggest manufacturing hubs for the global R&AC sector demand, it is important to share the trends and important developments.

 

UNEP, FECO and CRAA collaboration

 

China Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Industry Association (CRAA) is manufacturers’ liaison with the government and has been devoting itself to provide members and whole industry with multifaceted and valuable services. CRAA are the co-organizers of the International Exhibition for Refrigeration, Air Conditioning, Heating and Ventilation, Frozen Food Processing, Packaging and Storage which is held annually known as CRH.  UNEP has collaborated with CRAA previously, to organize “Ozone2Climate” technology roadshow and industry roundtable as a part of CRH. Four such events have been held in 2012-2015 in Beijing and Shanghai respectively, the event in 2015 FECO joined us as co-organization. The objective of the partnership is to promote and exhibit advancements in ozone and climate friendly refrigerant technologies. Along with the technology roadshow, an industry roundtable was also organized as a part of the event to discuss practical issues surrounding R&AC technology and policy selection that will benefit both the ozone layer and climate.

 

The Beijing 2015 (CRH) event was joined by 1132 enterprises/organizations from more than 30 countries with exhibition area of 103,500 sq. meter. In total, more than 50,000 professional visitors from more than 100 countries visited the Expo. One separate exhibition hall was constructed with area of 1200 sq. meter for the Ozone2Climate Roadshow, and more than 50 enterprise and organizations joined this Roadshow. The Industry Roundtable was organized by UNEP in cooperation with CRAA and FECO hosting 240 participants from China as well as other countries includingChina, India, Thailand, Philippines, South Korea, Japan, Brazil, and the US . Most of the participants are industry decision makers along with researchers in industry, university as well as NGOs. The Shanghai workshop focused on the, emerging policy direction to promote Ozone2Climate Alternatives to HCFCs, challenges to Ozone2Climate Alternatives Selection, Industry  efforts for adoption  of Ozone2Climate  alternatives,  energy efficiency and HCFCs phase out.

 

Following the previous events in 2012-2015 UNEP, FECO and CRAA would be arranging the 5th Ozone2Climate Technology Roadshow and Industry Roundtable as a part of the CRH 2016. With success of the Beijing and Shanghai roadshow and roundtable; it is essential to continue the engagement of industry  and  policy  makers  to  discuss  on  approaches  and  strategies  for  overcoming  the challenges to Ozon2Climate alternatives. UNEP and CRAA welcome influential and relevant international organizations, regional and national organizations to be partners of these two events as joint organizers and/or supporting organizers.

 

Ozone2Climate Technology Roadshow and Roundtable

 

The 2016 Roadshow will be organized in an exhibition hall measuring up to 500 m₂. The products/technology to be exhibited in the Roadshow will include those relating to zero-ODP, lower-GWP alternatives, but with improved energy efficiency of final products as compared to HCFCs-based technology. All manufacturers, research institutions, universities, NGOs from countries that manufacture and/or own these technologies will be invited to display their products/technology either through sample products, or display boards.

 

Both UNEP and CRAA believe that the future generation of the alternative refrigerant should be more environmental friendly, i.e. zero ODP, lower GWP and better Life Cycle Climate Performance (LCCP). Therefore, for those alternatives to HCFCs with high GWP¹ will not be included in this Roadshow. Also the roadshow would like to showcase innovative technologies such as use of solar cooling using natural refrigerants which is not only ozone friendly but also has climate and energy benefits. The Industry Roundtable will complement the Roadshow by providing a forum for an open discussion on how to evaluate the climate performance of R/AC equipment, refrigerant technology development trends, industry standards and regulatory requirements   that   constrain   the   application   of   alternatives,   balance   of   the   compliance requirement  under  the  Montreal  Protocol  with  longer  term  solutions  required  for  climate protection. The objective of the Roadshow is therefore to help industry to take an informed decision in selecting ozone- and climate-friendly alternatives for the phase-out of HCFCs. However, the Roadshow and the roundtable will not endorse any specific alternative technology.

 

UNEP, FECO and CRAA, cooperating with Organizing Committee of China Refrigeration Expo, will provide opportunities for invited exhibitors to exhibit their products or public with display boards. and the invited exhibitors will be responsible for the products transporting, and displaying the sample products/display board, or brochures.

 

UNEP will display its virtual exhibition and encourage more industry to join the platform for virtual exhibition of the green products. The Virtual Exhibition has been developed by UNEP to promote Ozone2Climate Technologies, and the interested entities could set virtual booths on this virtual platform, displaying their latest products and case studies.

 

To outreach this event, UNEP will through its OzonAction Newsletter/website to disseminate the Roadshow/Roundtable information, and encourage the National Ozone Units of its network and their industry to join this event as well.

 

Main Objectives of the Ozone2Climate Technology Roadshow and Industry Roundtable

 

To outreach the available ozone and climate-friendly technologies to R&AC industry and professionals participating in CRH 2016, to showcase the leading role of industry pioneers that have developed or adopted climate – and ozone-friendly R/AC technology through a technology roadshow/exhibition.

 

To engage industry decision makers in a discussion on through an Industry Roundtable on the availability, affordability and need for zero-ODP, zero- or lower-GWP and more efficient alternatives in R &AC sector while considering the whole life cycle assessment of the climate impact of the final product. The roundtable would discuss the linkages of the ozone and climate especially in the R/AC sector. The forum would also update the progress in the development of non-ODS-based energy-efficient R/AC systems and technology, and their future prospects.

 

Theme for Ozone2Climate Industry Roundtable discussions

 

Taking the opportunity of the presence of leading industry and other stakeholders, the Industry Roundtable will focus on promoting investment, research and development in zero-ODP, lower- GWP and energy efficient technologies for the R/AC sector. Any innovative ideas and technologies that can inspire the Ozone2Climate cause would be welcomed. Since this is the 5th such event that would be taking place in China, the event would like to focus on China as a technological innovator and developer  for ozone and climate friendly  alternatives  in R&AC sector.  The roundtable can focus on a single theme or an integrated approach which touches across various themes. The theme/multi theme options are as follows :

 

Ÿ  Implementation process of China HCFCs phase out management plan in the framework of the Montreal Protocol

 

Ÿ  Negotiation process and international situation of HFCs phase down

 

Ÿ  Revised progress of safety and energy efficiency standards at home and abroad

 

Ÿ  Research and promotion progress of Ozone climate friendly alternative technologies for R&AC, heat pump and freezing equipment at home and abroad.

 

 

The roundtable will be a one day program with 6-8 presentations, of which representative from government, industry, agency and institutions will give speech on the theme of the roundtable. The agenda will be developed following more consultations to be conducted by UNEP, FECO and CRAA with all stakeholders. UNEP, FECO and CRAA will invite experts to make presentations on the identified topics.

 

Target Audience

 

UNEP, FECO and CRAA will send the invitation letter to the potential exhibitors to  participate  in  the  Roadshow.  Finally,  UNEP, FECO and CRAA  will  jointly  select  at  least  40 exhibitors to participate in the Roadshow. Only the invited exhibitors will have the opportunity to exhibit their products or displaying board in the Roadshow.

 

UNEP, FECO and CRAA will further separately invite the other Multilateral Fund implementing agencies (UNDP, UNIDO and World Bank), as well as government departments from bilateral agencies like GIZ, Japan, US who are interested in setting up their own booths to display their efforts, projects, and policies in promoting  zero-ODP,  lower-GWP  and energy  efficient  alternatives. UNEP, FECO and CRAA will also invite the industry association from India, Brazil, US, the EU and Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia and Canada for their participation of the Roadshow as well as the roundtable.

 

The audience expected for the event is as follows:

 

Ÿ  Technical and business managers from chemical and equipment manufacturing industries producing and/or consuming HCFCs;

 

Ÿ  Decision makers from the same industries and companies;

 

Ÿ  Technical experts engaged in technology research and development as well as assessment; and

 

Ÿ  Representatives from key importing and exporting companies and industries in the region.

 

The Roundtable will be organized in a meeting hall near the venue of the Roadshow (to be specified later).

 

Expected Outcomes of Roadshow and Roundtable

 

Ÿ  Outreach available ozone- and climate-friendly technologies for HCFCs phase out;

 

Ÿ  Well disseminated UNEP and industry’s position on the HCFC alternative selection;

 

Ÿ  Update on progress of alternatives and their applicability for HCFCs Phase-out;

 

Ÿ  Consensus on the direction for the development and investments in zero ODP, lower- and zero-GWP, energy efficient alternatives to HCFCs;

 

Ÿ  Share knowledge on HCFCs alternative technologies and discuss potential business opportunities through the HCFCs-phase-out process;



Identify the present, near-term and long-term need for policies, technologies and services implementing the Montreal Protocol to enable accelerated adoption of lower GWP no- ODS refrigerant based technologies and preventing a large scale lock-in of HFCs;

 

Identify and discuss the emerging best practices case studies and make the green economy case for accelerated transitioning to environmentally sound financially affordable HCFCs alternatives.

 

Dates and Venue

 

Roadshow date: 7-9 April 2016

 

Roundtable date: 8 April 2016

 

Venue:  New China International Exhibition Center, Beijing,China