Southern African company converts entire production line to HCs 

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH in association with the National Ozone Unit of Swaziland and local manufacturer of refrigeration equipment Palfridge is currently implementing a pilot project that provides technical assistance and financial support that will enable Palfridge to convert its manufacturing lines in Swaziland from the use of unsustainable fluorinated refrigerant gases to hydrocarbon refrigerants. This is the first demonstration of hydrocarbon technology in the Southern African region showcasing a viable and sustainable alternative to replace fluorinated refrigerants and is expected to encourage other companies in the region to follow suit.

It is estimated that the conversion to hydrocarbons will cut direct emissions by up to 29,000 tonnes CO₂ equivalent per year. Additional climate benefits as well as energy savings will accrue from the improved energy efficiency of the appliances.

Details of the project

Funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety, the €1,400,000 project sets out to convert the entire production of domestic and commercial refrigeration appliances of the manufacturer Palfridge in Swaziland to hydrocarbon refrigerants.

It addresses issues concerning the safe use of flammable refrigerants through providing:

• State-of-the-art safety devices

• Intensive training and appropriate education of the entire Palfridge staff, including engineers, technicians, workers)

• Assistance with the safe design of the new models

• Support for the development of appropriate information and training materials for marketing the equipment at the point-of-sale and for service technicians which would be servicing the equipment in later years