Hydrocarbon technologies showcased at UNEP Maldives conference, Part 1

From 8-12 May 2011, the Ozone2Climate Technology Road Show, the first showcase of technological alternatives to ozone depleting substance (ODS) in South East Asia, took place in the Maldives. Alongside, also took place an Industry Roundtable on Zero and Low Global Warming Potential (GWP) HCFC alternatives, as well a Joint Meeting of Regional Ozone Networks for West Asia (WA) and South Asia (SA).

Over 20 exhibitors and 200 participants took part in the Road Show, which represented a unique opportunity for suppliers to showcase their refrigeration and air-conditioning equipment and for visitors to discover energy efficient and environmentally friendly technologies.

The President of the Maldives, Mohamed Nasheed inaugurated the Road Show, and during his visit was briefed on some of the environmentally sound products being showcased.

The following technological options were presented during the Road Show:

Low-GWP alternatives for commercial refrigeration
Industrial refrigeration low-GWP substances
Low-GWP alternatives transport refrigeration
Unitary conditioning systems
Chiller air conditioning
Foams
Solar-powered refrigeration equipment

Maldives to “set an example” that the rest of the world will follow

Entitled “Business opportunities in the context of accelerated HCFC phase-out”, the two-day Industry Roundtable Meeting aimed to facilitate dialogue between relevant industry players and policy makers, and underscore the challenges and opportunities faced by those implementing alternative refrigeration technologies.

The welcome address of the Industry Roundtable Meeting was presented by Mohamed Aslam the Maldives' Minister of Housing and Environment. In his speech, he emphasized the need to the Maldives to “set an example”, to the rest of the world, and to “leave the old path to pursue a low carbon development path.”

According to Mr. Aslam, Ozone2Climate is “Not just a show but the beginning of a transformation; we will start using them [natural refrigerants], and the rest of the world will follow. [Climate friendly technology must be implemented] before it is too late for us. We are the front line. We will be wiped out by global warming. We know others will make the right decision but it will be too late for Maldives. [We] Cannot wait. “

Also presenting during the inaugural session was Andrew Cox, resident coordinator of the UN. According to Mr. Cox, "If you get it right in the Maldives you get it right elsewhere. If not, you can learn from mistakes and change”.

Presentations by AHT Cooling Systems

During the 4th Roundtable session: “Opportunities of Climate and Energy Efficiency Co-Benefits of HCFC phase-out in Retail Sector”, Reinhold Resch of AHT Cooling Systems gave a presentation entitled, “Environmental Aspects of Food Refrigeration”.

AHT believe natural refrigerants such as R290 (propane) are “future proof”, and as such see R290 as the best ozone and climate friendly refrigerant for use in ice cream cabinets and commercial freezers. The company, which is active in both industrial refrigeration and deep-freezing, announced buoyant sales of their propane refrigeration units.

“We have already 430,000 propane units in the field with no problems. When you do your homework with hydrocarbons, you can do it in a safe way”, said Mr. Resch. The units have a high customer satisfaction rating, and according to customer feedback, the R290 units provide the “best results for product temperature”.

The AHT presentation also highlighted the company’s technological progress in using more ozone and climate friendly technology. In 2004 AHT used the refrigerant R-401A in their freezer cabinets, an HCFC and potent greenhouse gas (GHG). In 2006 however, the company developed equivalent freezer cabinets using R290, achieving 30% efficiency over the previous HCFC system.

In 2011 AHT will launch their latest propane-based freezers, which are 25% more efficient than the 2006 units.

AHT has specialized producing supermarket equipment, ice cream cabinets, bottle coolers for over 50 years.

GREE offers 110 R290 based AC units to the Maldives

In partnership with UNEP and GIZ, GREE Electric China provided 110 R290 based AC units free of charge, installed in the Convention Center of Male in the Maldives and in the Maldives Ministry of Environment

Stephanie Zheng, of GREE Electric Appliances of China, gave a presentation on R290 in air conditioning (AC) units in the tourism industry, at the roundtable session: Opportunities of Climate and Energy Efficiency Co-Benefits of HCFC phase-out in the Tourism and Fisheries Sector”.

According to Stephanie, Gree has developed the first exclusive production line for R290 residential AC units in the world. The company makes two air conditioning systems using R290, both of which achieve equivalent performance to R22 (HCFC) AC units. These R290 units have undergone rigorous testing to ensure their safety, whilst the production line is rigorously monitored for leaks

Background

As a party to the Montréal Protocol, the Maldives has declared its commitment to controlling the use of HCFC’s, beginning in 2011, and culminating in an HCFC phase-out by 2020. The Maldives’ HCFC phase-out strategy is linked to the country’s policy on carbon neutrality.

The Ozone2Climate Technology Road Show was organized by UNEP's OzonAction Programme, in association with the Government of the Maldives and the Indian High Commission in the Maldives, and in close partnership with GIZ on behalf of the Government of Germany, the Ministry of Environment, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) of Japan, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the US Department of State.

As part of the Road Show the first ever virtual exhibition dedicated to ozone and climate friendly technologies was launched.