Promoting climate-friendly refrigeration technology in Western and Central Africa

Refroidissement respectueux de l’ozone et du climat en Afrique de l’Ouest et Centrale (ROCA) (Ozone and Climate Friendly Cooling in West and Central Africa (ROCA))

Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mali and Senegal	National ozone units
Burkina Faso	Direction Générale de la Préservation de l’Environnement (DGPE), Ministère de l’Environnement, de l’Economie Verte et du Changement Climatique (MEEVCC)
Cameroon	Direction des Normes et du Contrôle, Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Protection de la Nature et du Développement Durable (MINEPDED)
Mali	Direction Nationale de l'Assainissement du Contrôle des Pollutions et des Nuisances (DNACPN), Ministère de l'Environnement, de l'Assainissement et du Développement durable (MEADD)
Senegal	Direction de l’Environnement et des Etablissements Classés (DEEC), Ministère de l’Environnement et du Développement Durable

Several people in lab coats look at a cooling system.

Context

The demand for cooling appliances in Africa is constantly growing. This is leading to increased energy consumption and the use of refrigerants that damage the ozone layer and the climate. At the same time, the consequences of the climate crisis are already apparent on a huge scale in many African countries. Green cooling technologies are needed in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but simultaneously to make it possible to cool rooms, food and medication. These technologies use natural refrigerants that damage neither the climate nor the environment and exhibit a high level of energy efficiency.

Objective

The impacts of refrigeration technology and air conditioning systems on the climate in Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Mali and Senegal have been reduced.

A woman examines the cooling technology.

Approach

The project applies various approaches to promote climate-friendly and environmentally friendly refrigeration technology in the partner countries:

The project conducts basic studies in the partner countries to analyse the refrigeration requirements and their contribution to national energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Based on this, it advises political decision-makers on regulations and incentives for natural refrigerants, the associated financing options and how to deal with climate-damaging refrigeration technology.

Technicians and trainers receive training in handling natural refrigerants.

Pilot projects aim to demonstrate the advantages of selected technologies and innovative business models, thus making it easier to launch them on the market. The overall goal here is to establish energy-efficient, climate-friendly cold chains including environmentally sound disposal.

In all activities, the promotion of women has a particular priority.