Report of the Technology Forum on Climate-Friendly Alternatives in Commercial Refrigeration

In order to assist countries, in particular developing countries, in planning and implementing HCFC transitions that minimize climate impacts, the Climate and Clean Air Coalition to Reduce Short-Lived Climate Pollutants (CCAC) sponsored a Technology Forum on Climate-Friendly Alternatives in Commercial Refrigeration. Given that the commercial refrigeration sector has a number of climate-friendly refrigerant alternatives that are already commercialized or near commercialization in some countries and regions, this forum fostered a dialogue between government representatives, industry, technology users and providers, and international organizations to discuss the latest technological developments, examples from end-users, and build confidence in and discuss pathways towards more climate-friendly commercial refrigeration.

The workshop took place immediately after the 68th meeting of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol. Over 130 participants representing government, industry, non-governmental organizations, and environmental organizations attended the one-day technology forum. The forum met its goal of providing information on the technical, financial, and environmental aspects of some of the key low-GWP, energy-efficient alternative technologies that are available or emerging in commercial refrigeration. The day was structured to maximize discussions among panelists and to engage the audience on the state of the technology currently available. Panels shared perspectives from supermarket end-users of new technologies, manufacturers of commercial refrigeration systems and equipment, and government-industry partnership programs and regulations.