EU announces €3 million funding to replace HFCs in Latin America and Caribbean

EU Climate Action and Energy Commission Miguel Arias Cañete made the announcement at the Montreal Protocol meeting that is taking place in Kigali, Rwanda. The meeting is expected to end with a global agreement to phase down HFCs, which would be legally-binding for all Parties to the Montreal Protocol. 

Commissioner Arias Cañete said: "Taking action on HFCs is a necessary step if we are serious about tackling this major source of greenhouse gas emissions. It is not only a cost-effective way to cut emissions, but will also lead to further gains in energy efficiency. For these reasons, I am delighted to announce funding for this new project today. It is essential that we help our partners in the developing world to seize the opportunities within their reach to protect the climate." 

The project will aim to promote the adoption of climate-friendly alternatives to HFCs and training on handling alternative technologies. It will also promote large-scale pilot projects to avoid emissions during and after use of equipment and will help established the development of national strategies for reducing HFC use.

The funding is provided by the Commission’s Foreign Policy Instrument, which has already given €8 million to similar projects in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific.