Abstract
The paper first gives a description of the “ Kigali Amendment” established HFC phase-down as decided by the Montreal Protocol parties in Kigali, Rwanda, October 2016. Baselines, freeze dates, schedules for the reductions of HFC consumption for both developing and developed country groups, as well as the 17 HFCs that are now included in the Montreal Protocol are summarized. The list of alternatives for HCFC- 22 including high-GWP HFC replacements is given, and considerations regarding the choice of refrigerant, both low-GWP synthetic and “natural” refrigerant alternatives are presented. The low-GWP refrigerant flammability issue and the performance of equipment at high ambient regions are described. It is discussed whether the potential impacts of the Kigali Amendment will be reinforcing the momentum of applications using low-GWP refrigerants and the innovation for sustainable RACHP technologies
Highlights
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and other ozone depleting substances (ODS) are potent greenhouse gases (GHG)
According to studies and assessments [2, 3] the climate benefit of the Montreal Protocol could be reduced or totally lost in future if emissions of ODS substitutes with high global warming potentials (GWP), such as most HFCs, continue to increase
The main issues that were thought to favor the inclusion of HFCs as controlled substances under the Montreal Protocol presented by the countries proposing amendments were: HFCs were developed and promoted as a result of Montreal Protocol CFC and HCFC control measures; the framework built by the Montreal Protocol for the phase-out of CFCs and HCFCs in the sectors where HFCs are being used, would be the most appropriate and effective method for the control of HFC production and consumption
Summary
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) and other ozone depleting substances (ODS) are potent greenhouse gases (GHG). Based on these research results, parties to the Montreal Protocol started discussions (based on proposals) on an amendment to add HFCs and control schedules to the Montreal Protocol in 2009. The main issues that were thought to favor the inclusion of HFCs as controlled substances under the Montreal Protocol presented by the countries proposing amendments were: HFCs were developed and promoted as a result of Montreal Protocol CFC and HCFC control measures; the framework built by the Montreal Protocol for the phase-out of CFCs and HCFCs in the sectors where HFCs are being used, would be the most appropriate and effective method for the control of HFC production and consumption. In the discussions that took place over the years, other issues were presented as barriers for including HFCs under the Montreal Protocol, such as financial support for the developing countries, the commercial availability of HFC alternatives, technology transfer and many others. The Kigali Amendment will enter into force on 1 January 2019, provided that it has been ratified by at least 20 Parties to the Montreal Protocol (or 90 days after ratification by the 20th Party, whichever is later)
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