Rudolf Gaiseb
In collaboration with GIZ, Namibia is working towards the transition to environmentally- friendly refrigerants.
As part of this, the former Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade on Monday handed over new refrigeration as well as air-conditioning tools and equipment to the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre (VTC).
Through its National Ozone Unit and the partnership with the Cooling Programme for Southern Africa (CooPSA), the ministry earmarked donations valued at N$1.6 million to four VTCs, including the Gobabis VTC, Valombola VTC and the Namibian Institute of Mining and Technology.
Executive director of the ministry, Shikongo Haihambo said the resources will be instrumental in equipping refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians, both practising and in training, with the skills and expertise needed to safely install and maintain green air-conditioners (ACs) and properly handle the end-of-life or decommission old ACs.
“Namibia is being supported in introducing highly energy-efficient air-conditioning systems – commonly referred to as Green ACs – that use the natural refrigerant R290. These units are not only more energy-efficient, but also significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By adopting this technology, we are taking a major step toward our commitment to a greener and more sustainable future,” he said.
He underscored that the training of technicians is another component crucial for the project to ensure that a skilled labour force exists in Namibia for safe handling of the R290 refrigerant.
He assured that this aspect is necessary to give air-conditioner importers the confidence to distribute the green ACs with the knowledge that the country is endowed with capable RAC technicians, and that the new technology will do no harm.
He added, “By ensuring proper handling of R290-based [a natural, hydrocarbon refrigerant] cooling systems, we are not only safeguarding our technicians, but also enhancing consumer confidence in this transformative technology. Proper decommissioning of HCFCs and HFCs is a critical step in protecting our ozone layer and reducing climate change.”
The tools and equipment handed over to the city’s VTC are accompanied by a series of five-day training sessions.
This will be the same for the other three VTCs which are due to receive their equipment.
GIZ component coordinator for CooPSA Pekeloye Kamenye said for many years, the cooling industry has relied on refrigerants that, while effective, have had significant environmental consequences. HCFCs and “HFCs have contributed to ozone depletion and global warming, intensifying the climate crisis we face today.
But introducing these technologies is only part of the solution. Ensuring that we have skilled and well-equipped technicians to handle these systems safely and efficiently is equally critical,” she noted.
Namibia has also joined the Climate and Ozone Protection Alliance (COPA).
It has been initiated by and received initial funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
“To our donors, GIZ, under the Cooling for Southern Africa Programme – we are grateful for the donation. We count ourselves honoured and privileged to be recipients of the new equipment and tools. It is our duty as trainers and trainees to put the equipment and tools to good use. Let us embrace technology to protect our environment,” the city’s VTC manager, Polli Andima, said.