Understanding the market need for skills in alternative refrigerants with low global warming potential in the EU region – A comprehensive survey on Refrigerant Emissions And Leakage (REAL) alternatives programme

Abstract

The widespread adoption of low GWP alternative refrigerants across Europe is critical to achieving long-term carbon reduction emissions from the Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pump (RACHP) sector. The RACHP sector has been identified as being responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions through direct emission (leakage of high GWP refrigerants) and indirect emissions (energy use). The changes to EU's Fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-gas) regulation No 517/2014, which came to force since 1st January 2015, has enacted restrictions on the use of halocarbon refrigerants in certain applications with the intent of reducing the F-gas associated emissions in the EU region. There are currently inconsistent levels of knowledge and awareness of how alternative refrigerants can be sustainably procured and utilised. This paper provides an understanding of the needs for skills in some European countries, specifically covering the general overview of the “as installed“ RAC use, the current training provision, the potential use and status of alternative refrigerants and recommendations on procurement process. Furthermore, the paper discusses the availability of skills and existing training materials and template in specific European countries.