Sustainable Cooling in Africa

AIR CONDITIONING IN AFRICA: A CALL FOR ANTI-DUMPING MEASURES AND A BAN ON NON-INVERTER AC SPLITS TO ENHANCE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

The conversation surrounding energy efficiency has expanded far beyond Western countries, reaching the whole African region where the need for sustainable energy solutions is critical. Africa, especially sub-Saharan Africa, is grappling with significant energy deficits. In this context, energy efficient technologies, such as air conditioners, are not just about reducing environmental impact but also addressing economic and infrastructural challenges. The export and widespread use of obsolete and energy-intensive air conditioners in African markets pose a major threat to both energy consumption and environmental protection. As a result, there is a growing call for the ban on non-inverter split air conditioning systems, which are notorious for their inefficiency and excessive energy use.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY: A GLOBAL PRIORITY

Energy efficiency refers to the ability of a system or appliance to achieve optimal performance while minimizing energy consumption. In the case of air conditioners, energy efficiency means delivering effective cooling without unnecessarily wasting energy. While this is a priority in developed countries, it is even more crucial in regions like Africa, where energy infrastructure is often underdeveloped, and demand for electricity is rising rapidly due to urbanization and population growth. Moreover, Africa is particularly vulnerable to the effects of inefficient technologies. A significant portion of air conditioners imported to the continent are outdated, energyintensive models that would not meet the energy performance standards in their countries of origin. This influx of inefficient equipment, often referred to as environmental dumping, creates additional financial and environmental burdens for African nations. Given the global nature of climate challenges, energy solutions must be inclusive and equitable, ensuring that no region bears a disproportionate share of environmental harm.

THE PROBLEM WITH OBSOLETE AND ENERGY-INTENSIVE AIR CONDITIONERS

A major challenge for African countries is the import of air conditioners that use obsolete refrigerants and outdated technology. According to a 2020 report by the Collaborative Labelling and Appliance Standards Program (CLASP), 35% of air conditioners sold in ten African countries are considered energy-efficient, while nearly half (47%) of the units contain the ozone-depleting refrigerant R22. Additionally, around 650,000 units that fail to meet common efficiency standards are imported annually into Africa. These products not only increase electricity demand but also exacerbate environmental degradation due to their reliance on high global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants.

China leads in the export of R22-based air conditioners to Africa, accounting for 57% of such exports, followed by Egypt (11%), the United States (3%), and Nigeria (1.6%). While some countries, like Nigeria and Egypt, have the potential to manufacture energy-efficient units, much of the market is still dominated by non-African companies that export or assemble lower-efficiency models in Africa. These outdated products often come with higher operating costs and greater environmental impacts, underscoring the need for stricter regulations and standards.

FIGHTING THE EXPORT OF ENERGY-INTENSIVE AIR CONDITIONERS

The widespread use of low-efficiency air conditioners in Africa presents significant challenges for both consumers and governments. Households face higher electricity bills, and governments are forced to invest in additional electricity generation, fuel imports, and infrastructure to meet the growing energy demand. Transitioning to energy-efficient air conditioners could help alleviate this burden. A World Bank study on North Africa’s air conditioner market estimated that by 2030, avoided investment costs per unit could average $234, savings that could be achieved by establishing Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and banning air conditioners containing HCFCs and high-GWP refrigerants.

While some African countries have implemented energy efficiency standards, many still lack the necessary policies to prevent the dumping of inefficient products. In response, organizations like United for Efficiency (U4E) have developed energy efficiency standards and labelling guidance to help developing economies strengthen their regulations. The adoption of these standards could result in a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, particularly if countries take a unified approach in combating environmental dumping.

PROPOSED SOLUTIONS FOR COMBATTING ENVIRONMENTAL DUMPING

In the fight against the environmental dumping of air conditioners, the CLASP report has proposed several key measures for African policymakers. One of the most important actions is the ratification of the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which aims to phase out the use of high-GWP refrigerants. Additionally, developing and implementing MEPS and labelling policies in line with major air conditioner-exporting countries is crucial. Strengthening institutional frameworks, such as reviewing tariffs on air conditioners and banning the import of second-hand and low-efficiency units, is essential for long-term success.

Policymakers could also explore initiatives like group purchasing to make energy-efficient air conditioners more affordable for consumers. Proper recycling and disposal of outdated units would further reduce environmental harm, while banning the production of non-inverter split air conditioners would ensure that African markets are not flooded with inefficient technology.

THE CASABLANCA DECLARATION, A UNIFIED STAND AGAINST OBSOLETE AC SYSTEMS, AND THE CASE FOR BANNING NON-INVERTER SPLIT AIR CONDITIONERS

In September 2022, the Union of African Associations of Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Stakeholders (U-3ARC) took a bold step in addressing the issue of environmental dumping. During its general assembly in Casablanca, U-3ARC issued the Casablanca Declaration, calling for an end to the dumping of obsolete air conditioners in Africa. The declaration, signed by members from across Africa, strongly opposes the export of outdated, environmentally harmful equipment from developed countries to developing regions like Africa.

The declaration aligns with the goals of the Kigali Amendment, which provides a business opportunity for refrigeration and air conditioning professionals to stop the dumping of inefficient used cooling appliances and promote the adoption of low-GWP refrigerants like R32 and R290. The Casablanca Declaration also advocates for the introduction of the latest energy-efficient technologies, which, despite their higher upfront costs, result in long-term savings through reduced operating costs.

Another key recommendations from U-3ARC is to ban the production and import of non-inverter split air conditioners. Non-inverter air conditioners, which operate on a simple on/off mechanism, consume significantly more energy than inverter models. Air conditioners fitted with inverter technology can save up to 30% on electricity compared to non-inverter products. The increased efficiency of inverter units not only reduces energy consumption but also helps address Africa’s persistent energy deficit.

In some cases, manufacturers mislabel non-inverter air conditioners as “inverter” units, exploiting the lack of consumer knowledge and regulatory oversight in some African markets. Addressing these deceptive practices and enforcing strict efficiency standards would help ensure that consumers benefit from genuine energy savings.

U-3ARC and CSG, A PARTNERSHIP FOR SUSTAINABLE COOLING IN AFRICA

U-3ARC and Centro Studi Galileo, a European and international training provider, have decided to seal, on March 14, 2024, in Milan, their partnership in the training of African Refrigeration Technicians belonging to the national member associations of U-3ARC. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed between the two parties, frames 3 training sessions already carried out in May and November 2023, then in May 2024 in Bologna (Italy). Where more than 50 technicians coming from Burkina Faso, Togo, Tunisia, Morocco, Rwanda, DR Congo, Uganda, Senegal, Mali, Comoros Island have been trained and assessed on F-gas and Real Alternatives.

Among these participants, 2 ladies from Burkina Faso, 2 ladies from Mali and 1 lady from Senegal are the first ever certified technicians in their countries. The ladies from Mali and Senegal were the winners of U-3ARC Dr. Charity Kpabep Award. A special award dedicated to ladies in Africa, as U-3ARC is committed in gender promotion. Through the support of Mr. Stephen Gill founder of the NGO World Refrigeration Day, the 3 winners received a valuable sponsorship of ten thousand euro (€ 10.000). Covering then their flights tickets, accommodations, restauration, training and assessment fees.

 These training courses lead to the European certification of F-gas assessment for participants and an evaluation on “Real Alternatives” program that guarantees the safe handling of flammable refrigerants in Africa where split air conditioners, charged with R32 and R290, are already sold without specific training or awareness campaign on the flammability of these “green refrigerants”.

It is specified in the preamble of the MoU that “The two parties share common goals and objectives and wish to collaborate with transparency and efficiency in areas of common interest, in the development of initiatives and activities of common interest in within the framework of their respective mandates and governing regulations. “.  By signing such a memorandum of understanding, U-3ARC and CSG are joining forces, to enable African technicians to best practices, safe handling of flammable refrigerants and protect the environment without harming the human beings who are the first to appreciate the advantages of the “green world”.

SAFELY HANDLE GREEN REFRIGERANT EQUIPMENT

Through this MoU, both parties agree to work jointly in areas of mutual interest in the field of RACHP, exchange information on best practices followed by contractors in their respective locations and current performance standards with the prescribed code of ethics, or to corroborate efforts in the field of environmental protection and energy efficiency. That’s not all, U-3ARC and CSG intend to jointly work on education, training and certification of the workforce engaged in the ACHP industry and to exchange information on action plans aimed at gradually reducing HFCs and on international technical developments in this area.

While it is up to CSG to share available technical information with U-3ARC for use in their education and training programs, it will be up to both bodies to nominate speakers for their respective events, conferences and seminars, to organize special training and certification sessions for U-3ARC members in Europe or Africa with a special price and a specific program. The beneficiary U-3ARC members will be certified F Gas and Natural Refrigerants, according to European and international standards, at the end of their training.

A 4th training session is already planned in Tunis, the first on the African continent, from November 11 to 15, 2024, just after the U-3ARC General Assembly. Participants, in groups of 20, men and/or women, are admitted to these training sessions which will allow them to work with complete peace of mind, combining safety and security on equipment powered by F Gas or Natural Refrigerants.

ONGOING CENSUS TO CONSOLIDATE THE ORGANIZATION

A broader census of African Refrigeration Technicians can bring many benefits to the continent, economically, socially and environmentally. Don’t they say, « There is strength in numbers »? This adage, widely shared, occupies a special place in the genesis of U-3ARC. A structure that has become essential in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector, U-3ARC invites all Refrigeration Technicians to register on its website. Increasing the rate of counting these professionals requires dynamism within the National Associations but must be a sort of priesthood for every Refrigeration Technician.

Several reasons contribute to this invitation. Not only will such a census make it possible to further professionalize the sector, but also and above all to build a denser network. Indeed, the creation of a network of African Refrigeration Technicians promotes the strengthening of collaboration and the sharing of information. This network will help each other to resolve technical problems and be known and better trained to practice their profession according to the rules of the art while avoiding incidents.

Also, thanks to such a rapprochement, it will be possible to have an African directory of players in the RAC sector. It will then be easier to find business partners, to have a say in all socio-economic development issues in African countries, given the fact that this sector remains transversal and impacts the entire industry, without omit its crucial role in the fight for food self-sufficiency.

It is accepted that in Africa, improving the image of the refrigeration profession, encouraging young people to embark on a career in refrigeration or even promoting entrepreneurship in the refrigeration sector requires this census.

STRENGTH OF PROPOSALS

A better organized African RAC sector will be a source of proposals at the level of the Executive Governments of the different member countries, in the implementation of policies and programs aimed at increasing access to refrigeration services in Africa. In terms of crop conservation, energy efficiency and effectiveness, improving the comfort of populations and continuing training, particularly with the arrival of new ecological but flammable refrigerants, the Refrigeration Technician occupies a special place in developing winning strategies.

More practically, the census allows a better understanding of the workforce, by quantifying the number of Refrigeration Technicians in Africa, their geographical distribution, their qualifications and their skills. Data that will help identify areas where there is a shortage of qualified technicians and guide training and development efforts.

In terms of improving quality standards, the census, which can encourage the establishment of a certification system for them, remains appropriate. This will ensure technicians have the skills and knowledge necessary to carry out quality repairs.

CONCLUSION

Africa’s battle against the import and use of obsolete air conditioning systems is both an environmental and economic necessity.
The adoption of energy-efficient technologies, such as inverter air conditioners, can significantly reduce energy consumption, alleviate financial burdens on consumers and governments, and contribute to global climate goals.
The Casablanca Declaration, supported by U-3ARC, marks a critical step toward ending the environmental dumping of inefficient cooling appliances in Africa. By banning non-inverter split air conditioners and enforcing robust energy performance standards, African nations can pave the way for a more sustainable and energy efficient future.