Grenada Commissions its first Hydrocarbon Air-conditioning System

St. George’s Grenada, August 26th, 2017: During a tour of the recently established Regional Pilot Training Centre for low-GWP flammable refrigerants at the T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) on Friday August 25^th, 2017, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Energy, Mrs. Petra Charles-Joseph, had the distinct pleasure and privilege to turn on the first hydrocarbon based (R-290) air-conditioning system installed in Grenada.  Grenada is the recipient of two 18,000 BTU, R-290 inverter AC units under a regional demonstration project for the introduction of low GWP flammable refrigerants in the region.

The use of natural refrigerants such as hydrocarbons (R-600a, R-290 and R-1270) is now widely promoted as a long term replacement for many of the fluorinated hydrocarbons such as hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used as refrigerants in the refrigeration and air-conditioning sector.  These HFCs are known to have very high ozone depleting and global warming potentials (ODP and GWP) and contribute to ozone layer depletion, global warming and climate change.

At the recently held 28^th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol in November 2016, Parties adopted to the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and agreed to address the phase-out of production and consumption of high GWP HFCs.

Hydrocarbons have long being used as refrigerants are widely known for their zero ozone depleting potential and very negligible global warming potential.  They also have the added advantage as been more energy efficient that the HFCs than are currently in use.  Other advantages include smaller refrigerant quantities needed, greater thermodynamic properties and lower operating pressures that can extend the life of the compressors.

This new air-conditioning system is installed at the refrigeration and air-conditioning laboratory at TAMCC and would be used for training of students and technicians in hydrocarbon technology in the air-conditioning sector. Efforts are already underway by the National Ozone Unit to bring in another thirty (30) such units into Grenada to be used for demonstration purposes.

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Regional Pilot Training Centre for Low-GWP, Flammable Refrigerants Launched in Grenada

St. George’s, Grenada, August 28th, 2017: The T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) in Grenada is the beneficiary of an initiative that resulted in the establishment of a Regional Pilot Training Centre for low-Global Warming Potential (GWP), flammable refrigerant technology. This training centre was officially launched during a ribbon cutting ceremony held at the college on Friday August 25^th 2017. The symbolic cutting of the ribbon to mark the official opening of the Centre was done by Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Finance and Energy, Mrs. Petra Charles-Joseph.  Mrs. Charles-Joseph was accompanied by Mrs. Ozunimi Iti, representing the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and Mrs. Marlene Findlay, Dean of the School of Arts and Applied Technology (SAAT), TAMCC.  Also present at the ceremony were Mr. John Auguste, Senior Energy Officer and Mr. Leslie Smith, National Ozone Officer, whose initiative it was to have the centre established here in Grenada.

The ceremony also formed part of the closing exercises of a four-day Regional Train-the-Trainers workshop in low-GWP flammable refrigerants that was held for refrigeration and air conditioning technicians in five Caribbean countries.

This training centre has been equipped with state of the art tools and equipment specifically designed to handle flammable refrigerants.  The total cost of the equipment is in excess of EC 150,000 and include, recovery machines, vacuum pumps, refrigerant identifiers, electronics scales and leak detectors, charging stations, welding machines, multi-meters and several other tools and consumable items required for good refrigeration practices.

The training centre is not only for the benefit of local technicians but also for technical colleges and RAC technicians in the region.

The launch of the training centre is part of a regional project implemented by UNIDO with funding provided by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal protocol on Substances that Depleted the Ozone Layer.

Grenada Successfully Hosted Regional Train-the-Trainers Workshop for Refrigeration and Air-conditioning Technicians

St. George’s, Grenada. August 28, 2017: Twenty (20) refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) technicians from across the sub-region participated in a four-day Train-the-Trainers Workshop and certification on low-Global Warming Potential (GWP), flammable refrigerant (Hydrocarbons) technology at the TA Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) from August 22^nd – 25^th, 2017.

Most of the low-GWP refrigerants that are currently entering the RAC sector are flammable gases and must be handled differently and under the strictest safety conditions.  These refrigerants in addition to being ozone and climate friendly have the additional benefit of being more energy efficient than the gases that they are replacing and their use in increasing at a very fast rate. RAC technicians therefore need to be properly equipped with the knowledge and experience in handling these flammable gases.

The training was conducted by Mr. Marino Bassi of the Centro Studi Galileo, Italy.  All twenty participants from the five participating countries (Bahamas, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, St. Lucia, Suriname and Grenada) were successful in their theoretical and practical examinations and would be certified in this technology.  The participants would also receive certification according to “Regulation (CE) No. 303/2008 by the European Commission”.  The latter certification would allow the technicians practice in any European country and in several other countries worldwide where the certification is accepted. These are the first technicians in the region to obtain this certification.

The four (4) day training constituted two days of theoretical work, one day of practical work and one day for theoretical and practical examination.  Among the many topics covered were: recovering and recycling of refrigerants, charging refrigerants, evacuation of systems, leak testing, risk assessment and general safety requirements

This training is part of the implementation activities of a regional project to train technicians in alternative ozone and climate friendly technologies in the RAC Sector and was facilitated by the National Ozone Unit in the Ministry of Finance and Energy in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Funding was provided by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

1. 55/2017                                                                                  DATE: August 21, 2017

 

Grenada to Host Regional Train-the-Trainers Workshop –

“Safe handling of low Global Warming Potential (GWP) flammable refrigerants”.

2017. GEORGE’S, GRENADAAugust 21, 2017.As signatories to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that deplete the Ozone Layer, Grenada and other Parties are called upon to introduce longer-term alternatives with low-Global Warming Potential (GWP) and greater energy efficiency.

The phase out of ozone depleting substances (ODS), specifically in the refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) sector has resulted in the introduction of some alternatives that have relatively high GWP and contribute to global warming.

Refrigerant manufacturers are now moving towards the production of alternative refrigerants with zero ozone depleting potential (ODP) and very low GWP, such as hydrocarbons (HCs).

However, these HCs are flammable and must be handled under the strictest safety conditions. Specialized training for technicians on flammability, needs to be done in order to ensure that only well trained technicians service and install HC based equipment, since the risk associated with flammability and the thermodynamic properties of these refrigerants have not always been taken into account

As a consequence, the National Ozone Unit in the Energy Division of the Ministry of Finance and Energy is collaborating with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to conduct a Regional Train-the-Trainers workshop and to launch a Regional Pilot Training Centre in the “Safe Handling of low GWP flammable refrigerants” at the TA Marryshow Community College (TAMCC).

The workshop which will be held from Tuesday 22^nd to Friday 25^th August,  2017, is part of the implementation activities under a Regional Project and would have a total of twenty (20) participants, four (4) each from the five partner countries: Bahamas, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname and Grenada.

The objectives of the workshop are:

• To enhance the expertise and confidence of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) technicians in handling low GWP flammable refrigerants
• To expose RAC technicians to the latest hydrocarbon (HC) based equipment and components on the market
• To equip RAC instructors and trainers with greater knowledge and experience to be able to conduct subsequent training to other technicians.

This certified workshop would be facilitated by the Centro Galileo Institute of Italy and will comprise of two days theoretical sessions, one day of practical work and a final day for evaluation and certification of successful participants.

At the end of the four-day training workshop, a Regional Pilot Training Center will be established at TAMCC. This center will be a model training facility, fully equipped with modern, state-of-the-art hydrocarbon specific equipment designed to handle flammable refrigerants – the first of its kind in the region.

Funding for this project is provided by the Multilateral Fund for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol and is being implemented by UNIDO, with Grenada as the lead executing partner.

Grenada Hosts Curriculum Development Workshop

St. George’s Grenada, May 23, 2017:  The National Ozone Unit in the energy Division of the Ministry of Finance and Energy hosted the first ever Curriculum Development Workshop in the sub-region for training refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians.

Representatives from the five partner countries participating in the Regional Demonstration Project on Safe handling of low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants attended the workshop at the Kalinago Beach Resort on Saturday May 20^th, 2017.

The one-day workshop which included a total of ten (10) local and oversea participants, representing state colleges and training institutions, came from the Bahamas, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and host country Grenada.

The Workshop was facilitated by Mr. Gianfranco Cattabriga, a Consultant with the Centro Studi Galileo, of Italy.  Mr. Cattabriga presented on a wide range of topics that would equip instructors of refrigeration and air-conditioning with modern techniques and approaches in delivering high quality information to their students.

The workshop was funded by the Multilateral Fund for the Implementation of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the ozone layer and is implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Other major components of this project are: a regional train-the-trainers workshop on handling flammable refrigerants, scheduled for later in the year and the establishment of a regional pilot training centre for flammable refrigerants at the T A Marryshow Community College (TAMCC).

These training initiatives are in line with Grenada and the other participating countries efforts to phase out ozone depleting substances and to establish a safe hydrocarbon and other natural refrigerant use culture.

Grenada is Well Ahead of the Montreal Protocol Schedule

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Grenada Well Ahead of the Montreal Protocol Schedule

 St. George’s, Grenada, Tuesday, May 23, 2017: Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office with responsibility for Natural Disaster Management and Information, Senator Winston Garraway, in addressing the Annual Network Meeting for Ozone Officers of the English Speaking Caribbean and Haiti held in Grenada on May 17^th, announced that Grenada is well ahead of its Montreal Protocol target in the phase out of Ozone Depleting Substances.  Senator Garraway, indicated that in the phase out of Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC’s), one of the most significant Ozone Depleting Substances, Grenada was able to phase out this group of chemicals in 2006, four (4) years ahead of the Montreal Protocol Schedule of 2010.

He further stated that in the phase out of a new group of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS), with a much lower ozone depleting potential – Hydroflorocarbons, Grenada is approximately eight years ahead of the Montreal Protocol Schedule.  As a matter of fact Grenada’s current consumption level is where it is expected to be in the year 2025.

Senator Garraway also took the opportunity to outline some of the activities undertaken by the National Ozone Unit (NOU) that has contributed to Grenada’s successful path under the Montreal Protocol. These activities include:

• Training of approximately 80% of Refrigeration and air-conditioning technicians in Good Refrigeration Practices and alternative Ozone Friendly technologies;
• Training of Customs Officers, Trade Officials and the Bureau of standards in Control and Monitoring of Trade in Ozone Depleting Substances;
• Establishment of a licensing and quota system to regulate the importation of ODS;
• Establishment of labeling standards for ODS containers and for the safe use, handling and storage of ODS;
• Establishment of 20 recovery and recycling centers throughout Grenada for ODS management;
• Assistance provided in the upgrade of the curriculum at the T. A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) to an Associate Degree Program;
• Establishment of a scholarship program that has so far benefitted 33 students to undertake Certificate and Associate Degree programs at TAMCC;
• Establishment and coordination of the Grenada Refrigeration, Air-condition and Ventilating Association;
• A robust public awareness and education campaign for the major stakeholders

Grenada’s role in the global effort to safeguard the fragile stratospheric ozone layer is exemplary and commendable.  At the international level, Grenada continues to attract world recognition and respect for its performance in the global quest to heal the ozone layer.

Grenada and other parties to the Montreal Protocol are now preparing to ratify the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol agreed to at the 28^th Meeting of the Parties in Kigali Rwanda in October, 2016. The Kigali Amendment on hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) commits the world’s nations to significantly reduce consumption and production of HFCs by 2050.

Kigali Amendment gathers momentum from Caribbean Ozone Officers

St. George’s, Grenada:  May 22, 2017: At the recently concluded Annual Sub-Regional Meeting for the Ozone Officers of the English Speaking Caribbean and Haiti held in Grenada from May 17-19, National Ozone Officers from thirteen (13) Caribbean countries met and discussed at length issues surrounding the recently agreed Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol and its implications for low volume consuming (LVC) countries.

Over the three days of the meeting, the Ozone Officers examined thoroughly the key areas of the Kigali Amendment and held discussions on Decision XXVIII/2 of the Twenty-eight Meeting of the Parties (28 MOP). Presentations surrounding these issues were delivered by Dr. Gilbert Bankobeza of the Ozone Secretariat and Mr. Alexandro Ramirez-Pabon of the Multilateral Fund Secretariat (MLFS).  Dr. Bankobeza presented an overview of the Kigali Amendment and Dec. XXVIII/2 and outlined the key steps towards the ratification process. Meanwhile, Mr. Ramirez-Pabon focused his presentation on the outcome of the key Decisions of the specially convened 78^th Executive Committee meeting of the MLFS which focused primarily on the Kigali Amendment.

Ozone Officers were also engaged in discussions with regional organizations -the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and the CARICOM Secretariat on establishing partnerships in addressing the implementation of the Kigali Amendment.  Representatives from the Hotel and Tourism sector were also part of the discussion since that sector is a major consumer of HFCs in the region.  There was also the chance to discuss potential financing opportunities with Mrs. Helen Picot representing the Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program (K-CEP).

After the three days of intense discussion, National Ozone Officers agreed that they now have a greater understanding of the Kigali Amendment and are better prepared to advance its ratification and address the first set of control measures for HFCs.

The National Ozone Unit Hosted Successful Ozone Officers Meeting

St. George’s Grenada, May 22^nd, 2017.  National Ozone Officers from the Sub-Regional Network of the English Speaking Caribbean and Haiti, met in Grenada from May 17-19, 2017 at the Kalinago Beach Resort,     to discuss a wide range of topics and to strengthen the capacity of Ozone Officers in addressing matters of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Participants attending this annual meeting represented thirteen (13) of the fourteen (14) member countries of the Caribbean Network – Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Guyana, Haiti, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, S. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago and host country Grenada. Also attending the meeting were Implementing Agencies such as United Nations (UN) Environment, the United Nations Development Organization (UNDP) and bilateral partners, such as, the OECS Commission and CARICOM.

A wide range of topics were discussed, among them were:

• The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal protocol
• Capacity Building Tools and Materials for National Ozone Units
• Climate co-benefits of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS) phase out
• The Kigali Cooling Efficiency Programme
• Partnerships between NOUs and the Hotel and Tourism sector
• Recent decisions of the 77^th and 78^th Executive Committee meetings and the 28^th Meeting of the Parties

During the opening ceremony, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, with responsibility for Natural Disaster Management and Information, Senator, Winston Garraway addressed the participants on behalf of the Government of Grenada.  In his remarks, he reiterated the Government of Grenada continued support and commitment towards the implementation of the program and initiatives of the Montreal Protocol. He further lamented on the need for a unified global approach in protecting the environment. Senator Garraway used the opportunity to inform the delegates of the tremendous achievements of the NOU, Grenada, in successfully phasing out ODS.  He announced that Grenada in its phasing out of hydrochlorofluorocarbaons (HCFC) are approximately eight (8) years ahead of the Montreal Protocol schedule and that the current consumption levels of HCFCs is where the country should be in 2025.

The participants were also given a field tour to one of the ammonia plants for industrial refrigeration at the Spice Isle Fish House and to look at Chill Water air conditioning systems at the St. George’s University.

The next annual meeting is scheduled for St. Vincent and the Grenadines in 2018.

Increased Technical Capacity for Grenada in Handling Natural Refrigerant Technology

Mr. Lance Simpson returned to Grenada from Germany on Sunday April 12^th, 2017, having successfully completed a two weeks training program in the application of Natural Refrigerant Technology. He is the third local refrigeration and air-conditioning technician to have received this level of training and further strengthens Grenada’s technical capacity in dealing with emerging technologies in natural refrigerants, namely hydrocarbon, ammonia and carbon dioxide.  This brings to three the number of technicians in Grenada who have received that level of training

All beneficiaries of the training are required to pass on the knowledge gained to other technicians in the industry

One day after Mr. Simpsons’ return, on Monday April 13^th, 2017, he was involved in conducting training and sharing some of the knowledge gained with fifteen local technicians.  This two-hour practical demonstration and training session was focused on Flaring Procedures – Tools and Techniques, a key area of focus when handling natural refrigerants that are flammable.  Mr. Simpson intends to conduct similar training sessions, weekly and to cover other areas such as, Brazing, Safety Procedures using hydrocarbon refrigerants and acetylene gas.

More training opportunities are planned by the National Ozone Unit to utilise the expertise of the technician who have received this training to train other local technicians.  This initiative is part of the Cool Contributions fighting Climate Change (C4) Project in an effort to support Grenada’s Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement to tackle climate change.

TRAINING GRENADA’S TECHNICIANS IN ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

TRAINING GRENADA’S TECHNICIANS IN ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS

 

GEORGE’S, GRENADA Thursday, March 16^th, 2017: Grenada will be sending its third refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) engineer for training in Germany under the Proklima’s “Cool Training” programme in Germany. Mr. Lance Simpson has been selected to participate in the upcoming “Cool Training” programme and will depart Grenada on March 27th until April 7th, 2017. Mr. Simpson is a Professional Mechanical Engineer and has over 25 years experience in the Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) industry.

 

The “Cool Training” initiative is part of the National Ozone Unit’s (NOU) ongoing policy to develop the national capacity and opportunities for Refrigeration and Air-condition (RAC) technicians in gaining international experience in the area of Natural Refrigerant Technology. Already, there has been some adoption of the technology in Grenada, primarily in the domestic refrigeration and small commercial refrigeration sectors. During his time in Germany, Mr. Simpson will be provided with comprehensive knowledge and training for the operation and maintenance of cooling technology using natural refrigerants. The training also involves field trips to innovative enterprises in Germany such as, RAC components manufacturers and, refrigeration plants that use natural refrigerants.

 

Mr. Simpson, who works at Cooling Tech Ltd., is expected to use the knowledge and experience gained from the “Cool Training” to share with the T.A. Marryshow Community College (TAMCC) and RAC technicians in Grenada, as well as assist in the development of national standards for the Safe Use, Handling and Storage of Refrigerants, including flammable refrigerants, since he is also a member of the Technical Committee for Environment at the Grenada Bureau of Standards.

 

The two previous Grenadian participants of the Cool Training Programme, who are both instructors at the TAMCC, are currently sharing their knowledge with their students. The NOU has plans to expose two more technicians to this level of training in Natural Refrigerants, during 2017.

 

Proklima is a programme implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. Proklima provides technical assistance in the form of capacity building, such as the Cool training program, for developing countries since 1996. It is commissioned by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) to implement provisions of the Montreal Protocol on substances that deplete the Ozone Layer.

 

Funding for Mr Simpson’s participation at the training comes from the International Climate Initiative (IKI) of the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB) through the German-Grenadian project component of the project “Cool Contribution fighting Climate Change (C4)”. This project is executed by the National Ozone Unit (NOU) in the Energy Division of the Ministry of Finance and Energy, in conjunction with GIZ, to promote ozone-and climate friendly technologies in Grenada.