Ozone Layer Protection on the Agenda of Grenada Customs and Excise Division

St. George’s, Grenada, Tuesday October 8th, 2019: As Grenada prepares for the new refrigerant reality, the National Ozone Unit (NOU) continues to engage all stakeholders to renew their commitment and to strengthen the cooperation in the global fight to rid the planet of ozone depleting substances (ODS) and fluorinated gases (F-gases) with high global warming potential, used in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector.

A major stakeholder of the NOU is the Customs and Excise Division in the Ministry of Finance. As part of the co-operation between Customs and the NOU, Customs  Officers assist in ozone layer protection with monitoring and control of trade in refrigerants, data collection, public awareness and education, implementation of licensing and quota system, examination and testing of refrigerants at the various ports of entry, among other duties. National Ozone Officer, Mr. Leslie Smith, continues to lament, that the Grenada Customs and Excise Department plays a major role in assisting Grenada in successfully meeting and sustaining its obligations under the Montreal Protocol.

At the recently concluded Joint Thematic Network Meeting for Ozone Officers and Customs Officers held in Suriname, from October 6th- 7th, 2019, a number of important issues relating to customs roles in the successful implementation of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol were discussed.

Mr. Rene Parkes, Grenada Customs

Grenada was represented at the meeting by Systems Administrator (for he ASYCUDA System), Mr. Rene Parkes. Mr. Parkes works very closely with the National Ozone Unit and has been one of the NOU certified Montreal Protocol trainers for customs officers since 2005. Mr. Parkes was actively engaged in the meeting and delivered several presentations. He informed the meeting of the various activities undertaken by the local customs division in support of the obligations of the NOU under the Montreal Protocol, such as, Customs roles in Risk Management, Monitoring, Reporting, Verification and Enforcement systems and the implementation of the e-licensing systems for importation of refrigerants in Grenada.  Grenada is one of few countries in the region tat has an e-licensing system in place for importation of refrigerants. Ozone Layer Protection is one of the integral training components in the Customs training manual for junior officers. 

The Grenada Customs Division is also assisting the NOU in the establishment of break out codes for the classification of HFCs to aid in the country’s data reporting requirements under the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol for the phase-down of HFCs.

A stakeholder consultation involving importers of refrigerants, customs brokers, trade officials and the Inland Revenue Department has been scheduled for October 29th, 2019 to present and discuss the proposed break-out codes to be established for classifying HFCs for customs declaration.

Mr. Parkes in Working Group Session

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More Overseas Training for Grenada’s Refrigeration and Air conditioning Technicians.

 

Mr. Nicol Benjamin

Mr. Glenn Forsyth (MBIA)

Monday October 7th, 2019: The National Ozone Unit, Grenada, as part of its co-operation with the GIZ Proklima  and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) is the beneficiary of overseas training for local refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC)  technicians.  This initiative is undertaken through the capacity development component of “A Sustainable and Climate-friendly, Phase-out of Ozone Depleting Substances  (SPODS)” project that is funded by the Europeans Commission.

Two (2) RAC technicians left the island on Saturday October 5th, 2019 to attend the GIZ Proklima, Cool Training in Germany. The Cool Training is an international training series for RAC technicians that focuses on the safe application of Natural Refrigerant technologies. The two RAC technicians participating in the training are Mr. Glenn Forsyth, maintenance manger at the Maurice Bishop International Airport and Mr. Nicol Benjamin, supervisor at the Appliance Department at Jonas Browne and Hubbard’s (G’da) Limited. Mr. Forsyth is also the an executive member of the Grenada Refrigeration Air-conditioning and Ventilating Association (GRAVA). Both technicians have over 20 years experience each, in the RAC sector in Grenada. This brings to eleven (11) the number of Grenadian technicians who  attended the Cool Training in Germany, since 2016.

The objective of the Cool Training is to provide comprehensive knowledge and to develop the capacity of RAC technicians in the operation  and maintenance of cooling technologies using natural refrigerants. The training focuses on the safe application of propane (R290), Carbon dioxide (R744) in commercial refrigeration and an introduction to ammonia (R717) in refrigeration systems. It also heavily emphasizes hands-on practical sessions which makes up 70% of the training. Some of the areas that is included in the Cool Training include:

• safety and environmental requirements
• recovery of gases and replacement using R290 refrigerants
• installation procedures for natural refrigerants
• Brazing, pipe connection and joining
• Leak detection and repair

The training also includes field tours to innovative German enterprises, such as natural refrigerant producers, RAC component manufacturers and refrigerant plants.

The National Ozone Unit has taken as a policy decision to leap-frog the high global warming potential (GWP) into ultra low GWP alternatives such as natural refrigerants. This decision is in line with Grenada’s obligations as a signatory to the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol for the phase-down of HFCs. The beneficiaries are expected to share the knowledge with other local technicians on their return to Grenada.

 

Strategic Goals Developed for the Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning Sector in Grenada

October 2, 2019, St. George’s, Grenada: The key stakeholders in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector in Grenada  participated in a Stakeholder Consultation at the Grenada Bureau of Standards on Wednesday October 2nd, 2019, to discuss gaps identified in the sector and to identify strategic goals and activities to overcome these gaps. This initiative is part of “A Sustainable and Climate-friendly, Phase-out of Ozone Depleting Substances” (SPODS) project that  is undertaken by the National Ozone Unit (NOU) in the Energy Division of the Ministry of Public Utilities and Energy.

Participants in Working Groups

Participants at the consultation represented a broad cross section of the RAC stakeholders in Grenada, including, importers, technicians, Customs divisions, the Grenada Bureau of Standards, Academia and the Grenada Refrigeration, Air-conditioning and Ventilating Association (GRAVA).

During the consultation, remarks were delivered by the National Ozone Officer, Mr. Leslie Smith, updating the stakeholders on the latest developments related to the Montreal Protocol and Grenada’s new obligations under the Kigali Amendment to the Protocol.  Project consultant, Dr. John Telesford also presented the key findings of a recent survey conducted and highlighted the current refrigerant consumption trends. Three working groups were set up to discuss the findings of the survey, particularly focusing on the key gaps identified. A number of strategic goals and activities to overcome these gaps were discussed in the working groups. Among the broad areas examined by the working groups were:

• Refrigerants and Technology transfer;
• Market Considerations
• Capacity building, training and equipment upgrade
• Public Awareness and education
• Policy, legal and regulatory framework
• Codes and Standards

Each working group presented brief reports on the outcome of their work.  Several activities were proposed including: the development of fiscal incentive schemes to promote the uptake of low GWP alternatives, import restriction of equipment reliant on ozone depleting and high GWP refrigerants, licensing of technicians, review of training curriculum for training institutions, promulgation of RAC legislation, development of a communication strategy and the provision of equipment and training to meet the emerging technologies requirement. The proposals presented by the working groups will be collated and included in the final report to the NOU, by the consultant.

 

Grenada goes to Brazil to scope for eco-friendly Refrigeration and Air-conditioning technologies

Monday September 9th, 2019, São Paulo Brazil:  Grenada will participate for the first time at the FEBRAVA Exhibition and the CONBRAVA Congress in Brazil for the Heating, Ventilating, Air-conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC-R) industry, from September 10th – 13th, 2019.

Kwesi Hamlet at the CONBRAVA Congress, São Paulo, Braizil

The FEBRAVA Exhibition and it’s technical Congress, CONBRAVA, is a biennial event organised by the Brazilian HVAC Association that is considered to be the most important HVAC-R event in Latin America and the Caribbean region. Over 400 exhibitors and approximately 40,000 visitors are expected at the event.

The 2019 edition of the event is aimed at providing governments, the private sector ad other stakeholders, with the appropriate tools and an avenue to access information, technology trends and engage into meaningful discussions related to policy and standards. It will also assist developing countries in facilitating the transfer from the high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants to zero/low GWP alternatives, that are also energy efficient. It is also an opportunity for the stakeholders to establish valuable partnerships and to network with each other.

The participants from Grenada are the National Ozone Officer, Mr. Leslie Smith and refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) technician and entrepreneur, Mr. Kwesi Hamlet. Mr. Hamlet is the owner and manager of Ultra Kool Services; a company that provides installation, repair and maintenance services, as well as, sale of parts and supplies for RAC equipment. When asked what his expectations in attending are, Mr. Hamlet indicated, “I want to be be able to network and establish business relationships with RAC equipment manufacturers, product developers and experts. I would also like to get first hand exposure and experience in the new and emerging technologies on the market so that I can better advise my clients on making informed decisions on technology options that are eco-friendly”. Mr. Hamlet recently participated in the pilot stage of the Refrigerant Drivers License program organised by the National Ozone Unit, where he was trained to be an instructor and assessor in the training of other technicians in Grenada.

While the FEBRAVA exhibition will focus on products and services offered by manufacturers, promoters and experts, the CONBRAVA Congress will cover a wide range of topics, many which would be of relevance to Grenada, including:

• Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) alternatives
• Energy efficiency
• LEED and Green/Sustainable buildings
• Maintenance management, training and good practices
• Standardization and regulations
• Demanufacturing and disposal

Field visits are also organised to facilitate exchange of information and experiences on key areas such as: Recycling and Reclaiming Centers, ODS Destruction Facilities, Hydrocarbon Training Schools, Standards Association, CO2 Training Center and a visit to the Sao Paulo’s State Climate and Ozone Environment Agency.

Mr. Hamlet at he FEBRAVA Exhibition

Grenada’s participation at the event is facilitated through funding provided by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol as part of the Capacity Development Component of the HCFC Pahse out Management Plan (HPMP) that is implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). Special thanks is also extended to the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Regional Offcier for Latin America and the Caribbean for the logistical arrangements provided.

National Ozone Officers Met to Discuss the Challenges and Opportunities of the Kigali Amendment for the Caribbean region, ahead of the 31st Meeting of the Parties (MOP).

By: Curllan Bhola, GIZ Technical Consultant, C4 Project.

St. George’s, Grenada August 31, 2019: From Tuesday August 20^th to Wednesday August 23^rd, 2019, a workshop entitled, “Kigali Amendment: Challenges and Opportunities for the Caribbean Region” was organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), supported by the Government of New Zealand and  hosted by the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of  in Trinidad and Tobago.

The two-day workshop was attended by almost thirty (30) ozone and climate officers together with UNDP officials from across the English Speaking Caribbean region, and Haiti. The main objective of the workshop was to increase the understanding of the Kigali Amendment’s requirement and its implications for the Caribbean, ensuring countries be in the best position to tackle challenges and cash in on the opportunities that the amendment offers.

In the Caribbean region, significant investment in sustainable cooling technologies presents opportunities to: improve food security, human health, productivity and energy efficiency. Actions targeting sustainable cooling is one of the critical areas for tackling the climate change and achieving sustainable development. The availability of low (and ultra-low) global warming potential (GWP) alternatives is crucial to promote a sustainable transition and leap frog the growth of high GWP HFCs.

Discussions during the workshop centered around: consumption baseline calculations, consumption trends, establishment of licensing and quota systems, reporting requirements, available alternative technologies, among other topics. Some of the major challenges identified were:

• Lack of access and availability to low GWP alternatives for all RAC applications
• Uncertainty of the financial infrastructure for the additional obligations
• Inadequate capacity, equipment and resources to handle the new and emerging technologies
• Disposal and end of life treatment of RAC equipment and refrigerants
• Reporting requirements
• Data Collection ( HS Classification for HFCs)

In addition, the workshop included a presentation from Trinidad and Tobago on energy efficiency through the development of low-carbon RAC technologies and an overview of their national cooling strategy.

The Parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed to the Kigali Amendment in 2016 (entered into force January 1, 2019), a milestone agreement that addresses the phase down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Grenada is among three (3) Caribbean countries that have already ratified the Kigali Amendment.

The meeting also served in preparing National Ozone Officers for the discussions and negotiations during the upcoming 31^st Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol , in Rome Italy, from November 4^th – 8^th, 2019.

Refrigerant Driving License (RDL) for Grenadian technicians

August 22, 2019, St. George’s, Grenada: On Thursday August 22nd, 2019 eight (8) senior refrigeration and air-conditioning experts in Grenada completed the train-the-trainers  global Refrigerant Driving License (RDL) program.  The RDL training which is a collaboration between the UN Environment and the Air-conditioning, Heating and refrigeration Institute (AHRI) of the United States was organised in collaboration with the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of Grenada.  The four (4) day training was held at the T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) , from Monday August 19th – Thursday August 22nd, 2019. The training was conducted by master trainer, Mr. Manuel Azucena, from the Philippines.

The RDL is a globally recognized and acceptable qualification program that sets minimum requirements for the proper and safe management of refrigerants in air-conditioning, heating and refrigeration equipment.  The main objective of the program is to help prepare Grenada for a smooth transition to alternative low/zero global warming potential (GWP) alternative refrigerants. The RDL program is supported by key international refrigeration and air-conditioning industry associations, including, ABRAVA, ACAIRE, AREA, AREMA, ASHRAE, EPEE, JRAIA, Refrigerant Australia and the Alliance for Responsible Atmospheric Policy.

Over the four days of the program, the local experts received extensive theoretical and practical training to become trainers and assessors for the RDL program. Part of the exercise required them to be assessed during presentations on various RAC topics. The final day of the training was reserved for the four (4) hours external theoretical and practical examinations. The practical examination included extensive evaluation of the following key areas:

• Tubing Works
  • Identification of tools and tubing practices, straightening, measuring, cutting, deburring, bending, swaging and flaring
  • brazing
• Parameter reading and leak checking
• Recovery, Vacuum and Charging

The participants of the training were: Michael Mitchell, Michael Cadore, Henry Frederick, Lance Simpson, Curtis James, Colville Julien, Glenn Forsyth and Kwesi Hamlet.  In approximately three (3) weeks time the participants will know their fate, by which time their examination papers would be graded  by AHRI and the results posted.

 

Grenada Prepares for the New Refrigerant Reality

Friday June 28th, 2019, St. George’s, Grenada: As part of the celebrations to mark World Refrigeration Day 2019, the National Ozone Unit (NOU) in the Energy Division of the Ministry of Infrastructure Development Public Utilities, Energy, Transport and Implemetnation organized a National Refrigerant Symposium for stakeholders in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry in Grenada. The main objectives of the Symposium were to create awareness among refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) stakeholders on the new and emerging refrigerant technologies. The Symposium also aimed to highlight some of the major opportunities and challenges the RAC sector faces and to identify recommendations for the smooth transition to these new technologies. The Symposium feature a wide range of presentations by several experts on key topics including:

• Responsible use of refrigerants;
• The refrigerant journey
• Market access to new refrigerant technologies
• Opportunities, challenges and barriers to new refrigerant technology uptake
• New obligations related to refrigerants under the Kigali Amendment.

Among the stakeholders present at the symposium were: RAC equipment and refrigerant importers, procurement officers, government officials, RAC technicians, the Grenada Bureau of Standards, academia and training institutions and end users.

Marketing companies were also given an opportunity to promote the availability and accessibility of low/zero GWP, energy efficient RAC technologies that are either already on the island or soon to be introduced. The participants were informed that there are two Grenadian based companies that have Hydrocarbon (R290) mini-split AC units commercially available and that there are three companies already supplying the hydrocarbon refrigerants. An announcement was made on the testing of R-32 equipment by another company and to make them commercially available on the local market by the third quarter of 2019. A rebate of XCD 100.00 will be offered for every ton of cooling capacity of R-22 and R-410A replaced with the new R-32 equipment. The representative from the Grenada Bureau of Standards also informed of the two new standards that were established for the RAC sector and gave an insight on others that are currently been developed.

In support of these initiatives, National Ozone Offcier, Leslie Smith informed the participants, that the NOU would continue to provide capacity development, training opportunities and equipment for stakeholders in Grenada in preparation for the new refrigerant reality.

First President of GRAVA recognized on World Refrigeration Day

Joseph Michael Mitchell, is one Grenada’s longest standing, active technician in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector.  His service to the sector dates back as far as 1972, when he entered the Grenada Technical and Vocational Institute (GTVI) to pursue the program in refrigeration and air conditioning. Forty seven (47) years later, he is still actively pursuing this career.

Upon completing his studies at GTVI in 1975, he immediately gained employment with Jonas Browne and Hubbards, one of the leading appliance suppliers, as a service technician. Like a bedrock, he remained with Hubbards until his retirement in 2019.  At Hubbard’s he climbed to the position of Senior Technician and Supervisor with responsibility for installation, repair maintenance and servicing of refrigeration and air-condition equipment in the commercial department.

In 2006, himself together with some other stalwarts in the field and with support from the National Ozone Unit (NOU), founded the Grenada Refrigeration, Air-conditioning and Ventilating Association (GRAVA). He was elected as the first President of GRAVA and served in that capacity for six consecutive years, from 2006 to 2012.  Currently, he is the treasurer of the Association.

He has also been engaged as a training consultant, providing training for technicians in Suriname, Guyana, St. Kitts & Nevis, Barbados and Grenada.  Mr. Mitchell is considered as one of the main pioneers in the introduction of Hydrocarbons – R-290 refrigerants  in AC units in Grenada and the region.  He is an advocate for natural refrigerants and has been involved in training technicians in safe use of hydrocarbons and retrofitting of equipment.

Forty seven (47) years later he has kept himself abreast with all the technological advancements in the sector and has completed several courses and certifications.

Forty seven (47) years later, on the occasion of the first World Refrigeration Day celebration, the honor was bestowed upon him, as he was presented with a Lifetime Award from the National Ozone Unit, for uninterrupted service and outstanding contribution to the refrigeration and air conditioning sector in Grenada.

IEC Approves increase charge size limits for flammable refrigerants

The flammable refrigerant charge of commercial refrigeration appliances with an incorporated unit is currently ruled by IEC 60335-2-89. The charge is currently limited to 150 grams. Since 2014, a working group has been elaborating a proposal to raise this load to 500 grams for “highly flammable” refrigerants (classified A3) and 1200g for “flammable” (A2) or “mildly flammable” (A2L) refrigerants.
In July 2018, the National Committees voted 75% in favor of this proposal, whose vote was submitted to the various CIS member countries in March and April 2019.

In early May, the IEC announced that the measure was finally adopted. Commercial refrigerating appliances with an incorporated unit should therefore now be able to use flammable  type A and A2 / A2L refrigerants with respective loads of 500g and 1200g.
This is an important step that can contribute to the progressive reduction of HFCs, and also respects the Kigali Amendment and the European F-Gas Regulation.

The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) is in charge of
standardization in the fields of electricity, electronics, electromagnetic
compatibility, nanotechnology and related technologies. Its work is complementary to that of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), specialists in all other fields.

The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), 29 May 2019

Grenada Celebrates World Refrigeration Day

St. George’s, Grenada, June 21st, 2019.  The National Ozone Unit (NOU), Grenada, will join a number of refrigeration and air-conditioning institutions and organisations around the globe in celebrating the inaugural, World Refrigeration Day (WRD), on Wednesday June 26th, 2019.  The celebrations in Grenada will be centered around the theme: “Refrigerants for Life”. The NOU would also use the opportunity to join with the rest of the industry associations and professionals in the clarion call in raising awareness and understanding of the significant role that the refrigeration, air conditioning  industry plays in today’s fast changing world.

To celebrate, the NOU has organised a half-day Symposium, focusing on several aspects of new and emerging refrigerant technology. The Symposium will be held on Wednesday June 26, 2019 at the Public Workers Union (PWU) building in Tanteen, St. George’s, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Several experts and industry professionals in the RAC sector in Grenada will deliver presentations on the following topics:

SESSION 1:          9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Everything you wanted to know about refrigerants but was too scared to ask.

Moderator:             Mr. Christopher Joseph

• Montreal Protocol  – Phase-out and phase-down of refrigerants – Leslie Smith (National Ozone Officer)
• Understanding refrigerants – why are refrigerants so critical – Dr. John Telesford, Professor, TAMCC
• The refrigerant journey – Mr. Curllan Bhola (GIZ Technical Consultant)

SESSION 2:          10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Preparing Grenada for the New Refrigerant Reality

Moderator:             Mrs. Terah Antoine

• Let’s Communicate: Public awareness and Education – Ms. Wendy Frederick, Rural Development Management Specialist, 
• Responsible use of refrigerants – Mr.  Lance Simpson Operations Manager – Cooling Tech ltd)
• Market access to new refrigerant technologies (Greenz Concept, Modern Electrical Solutions, Cooling Tech)

SESSION 3:          11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon. The Road Map to a Smooth Refrigerant Technology Transfer Process

Moderator:             Ms. Kerricia Hobson

• Opportunities, challenges and barriers to new refrigerant uptake – Mr. Curllan Bhola, (GIZ Technical Consultant)
• Policy and legislative measures – Mr. Robert Medford, (Director, Grenada Bureau of Standards)
• Capacity development, training and equipment upgrade – Mr. Henry Frederick RAC Consultant

The Guest of Honor at the event is Mr. Joseph Michael Mitchell, a long standing RAC expert who was also a founding member and the first President of the Grenada Refrigeration, Air-Conditioning and Ventilating Association (GRAVA).  Mr. Mitchell will be presented with a Lifetime Award from the NOU.