Day 1: Opening Discussions on Energy Efficiency and Compliance

The opening day of MOP36 focused on enhancing energy efficiency in the refrigeration and cooling sectors. Delegates discussed the importance of governance structures to support sustainable cooling technologies and explored methods for improving data accuracy and compliance. Emphasis was placed on integrating energy-efficient practices into national policies to align environmental and economic goals.

Cool Up Side Event: Advancing Energy Efficiency: Innovative Refrigeration Solutions for a Sustainable Future

At a joint side event hosted by Cool Up and International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), industry leaders and experts came together to tackle the challenges of energy-efficient refrigeration and cooling. The session began with opening remarks from Yosr Allouche, Director General of IIR, and Jakob Hoffmann from Cool Up, both emphasizing the crucial role of efficient cooling in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Chaired by Souhir Hammami (IIR), the panel featured notable speakers, including Andrea Voigt (Danfoss), Hubert Zan (Ghana), Marco Buoni (AREA), Marco Duran (IIR), and Isroiljon Khasanov (UNDP). The event explored cutting-edge cooling technologies, financing mechanisms, and practical ways to reduce emissions. Discussions highlighted the essential link between energy efficiency and climate goals, showcasing approaches to lower cooling-related energy demand.

An engaging Q&A session allowed participants to delve deeper into the discussions, fostering a sense of community committed to advancing energy efficiency.  Bjorn Palm concluded the event with remarks on the strong collaboration of IIR and Cool Up to continue empowering the refrigeration and air conditioning workforce towards a sustainable cooling transitions.

Day 2: Strengthening Compliance and Monitoring Mechanisms

The second day of MOP36 focused on ensuring reliable compliance reporting and accurate data, which are essential to the effectiveness of the Montreal Protocol. Challenges with provisional data submissions were discussed, with steps taken by the Ozone Secretariat to improve data quality. Delegates highlighted the need to assess provisional data carefully to ensure accurate compliance verification.

Cool Up Side Event: Next-Gen AC Innovations: Unpacking the Latest Market and Technology Trends in Sustainable Cooling

Cool Up’s “Next-Gen AC Innovations” side event provided an in-depth overview of natural refrigerants in stationary air conditioning, covering the latest market trends, product innovations, and advancements in sustainable cooling technologies. Attendees explored new developments presented at Chillventa 2024, one of the world’s largest exhibitions for refrigeration, air conditioning, ventilation, and heat pump technologies. The session focused on key advancements in natural refrigerant use, examining geographical trends, market coverage, and other significant market dynamics.

The second half of the session featured a manufacturer’s perspective on regional AC markets, offering a deeper understanding of technological innovation and sustainable cooling practices across different regions. This event reaffirmed the growing momentum in the sustainable cooling industry, with discussions underscoring the role of natural refrigerants in advancing sustainable air conditioning solutions globally.

Day 3: Montreal Protocol and Objectives 

On the third day of MOP36 delegates continued their discussions in various groups to advance the implementation of the Montreal Protocol’s objectives. Discussions focused on reducing HFC-23 emissions, boosting energy efficiency in cooling systems, transitioning to low-GWP alternatives, and enhancing atmospheric monitoring to ensure detect emissions.

Cool Up Side Event: “Paving the Way for Hydrocarbons – Approaches from Cool Up Programme in the MENA Region.”

On the same day, Cool Up hosted a side event titled “Paving the Way for Hydrocarbons – Approaches from Cool Up programme in the MENA Region.” The session focused on the adoption of hydrocarbon refrigerants in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, addressing safety considerations, technician training, and the supply chain for refrigerant-grade hydrocarbons.

The session was enriched by a dynamic exchange between Dr. Ezzat Lewis Agaiby, Head of the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of the Egyptian Environmental Affairs Agency (EEAA), and Youssef Hammami, Head of the NOU in Tunisia, who provided insights on the practical applications of natural refrigerants in domestic and commercial refrigeration. Their conversation emphasized the immediate potential for natural refrigerants in refrigeration and highlighted the urgent need for concrete steps to support their adoption in air-conditioning systems. Key points included the importance of building technical capacity across the region and the necessity of establishing robust certification standards for technicians and equipment. This focus on certification and training is essential to ensure safe, effective, and widespread adoption of natural refrigerants, aligning with both climate and energy efficiency goals.

Day 4: High-Level Discussions and Future Commitments

On the final day of MOP36, high-level discussions highlighted the Montreal Protocol’s success as a model of international cooperation. UNEP Deputy Executive Director Elizabeth Mrema emphasized the potential climate benefits of universal ratification of the Kigali Amendment, which could prevent up to 1°C of global warming by 2100.

National statements focused on phasing out ozone-depleting substances, improving refrigerant lifecycle management, enhancing atmospheric monitoring, and combating illegal trade.

Moving forward, Cool Up remains dedicated to supporting the Montreal Protocol’s goals, empowering communities, and championing sustainable cooling practices to protect both the climate and the ozone layer.

Cool Up’s active participation at MOP36 underscored its commitment to advancing sustainable cooling solutions and supporting international climate goals. By hosting side events and engaging with global leaders, Cool Up highlighted the importance of energy-efficient technologies, natural refrigerants, and regional approaches tailored to the MENA region. These contributions not only raised awareness of practical solutions but also fostered valuable partnerships that will drive future progress.

Special thanks to our panellists Marco Buoni, Marco Durán, Hubert Zan, Dr. Yosr Allouche, Dr.Souhir Al-Hammami, Dr.Marc Chasserot, Dr. Ezzat Lewis Agaiby and our Cool Up experts, Dr. Nesen Surmeli Anac, Isroiljon Khasanov, Jakob Hoffmann, Zeynep Gökçen AŞAN, Ecem Bahcelioglu Ersoy, Felix Heydel and Maria Pushkareva  for the collaborative efforts in organizing the side events.