In a world grappling with a surge in cooling demand, particularly in high ambient temperature (HAT) countries, the intricate interplay between rising living standards, escalating temperatures, and the imperative for efficient cooling technologies has emerged as a critical concern. The escalating global demand for cooling brings forth the daunting challenge of simultaneously mitigating its environmental impact.
The dynamic landscape of cooling products and technologies requires a nuanced understanding of technical needs and regulatory frameworks. Representatives from the manufacturing sector and government representatives from West Asia convened at the Montreal Protocol Pavilion during COP28, to deliberate on the current state and shortcomings of technical development.
Moderated by the UNEP Montreal Protocol Regional Coordinator for West Asia, Khaled Klaly, a panel of four experts delved into the merits of new technologies in refrigeration. Atta Airayyes, Senior Product Manager of Taqeef, showcased projects utilizing R-32 refrigerant gas, emphasizing increased energy efficiency and reduced CO2 footprint by 78,000 kg CO2e through replacing old on/off Air-Conditioning (AC) units with new highly efficient Inverter AC units in five villas.
Andrea Cavalet, Managing Director of EPTA Middle East, discussed the integration of transcritical CO2 technology in supermarkets, demonstrating significant energy efficiency gains with up to 50% reduction in consumption compared to standard technology. He highlighted the technology's efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, both financially and environmentally.
Gerry Van den Eynde, Area Sales Manager at Baltimore Aircoil EMENA, elucidated the benefits of evaporative cooling in reducing refrigerant load compared to air-cool systems. He underscored that 40% of electricity produced in the Middle East is allocated to refrigeration, pointing out the crucial need to enhance the energy efficiency of refrigeration systems.
Finally, Vilas Bakshi, Managing Director of Aeroseal, stressed the importance of duct sealing to enhance the energy efficiency of air conditioning systems in buildings. Cutting-edge technology enables a reduction of duct leakage by up to 95%, curbing energy wastage and CO2 emissions.
While the cooling sector needs growth, it paradoxically contributes to global warming. The adoption of these four innovative technologies- high efficient Inverters ACs with R-32 refrigerant, transcritical CO2, evaporative cooling, and duct sealing - holds the potential to enhance the energy efficiency of the air conditioning sector in HAT countries. However, achieving this goal demands reinforced awareness and understanding of technical requirements to contend with extreme temperatures, fostering environmental responsibility.
Following the presentations, the panel, in conjunction with Yaqoub Al-Matouq, Head of Ozone Section, EPA Kuwait, engaged in a compelling discussion moderated by Markus Lattner, Managing Director at Eurovent Middle East. The discourse aimed to unravel the current state and shortcomings of technical development, discern the reasons for these shortcomings, and identify potential measures to integrate more efficient technology. The discussion highlighted progress in technical evolution despite challenges arising from absent regulatory frameworks, knowledge gaps, and deficiencies in technical skills.
Source: UNEP
