HCFC PHASE-OUT MANAGEMENT PLAN

HYDROCHLOROFLUO-ROCARBONS (HCFCS) have always been considered as an interim solution to Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC) Phase-out, because of their lower Ozone Depleting Potential (ODP) which is between 5-10% when compared to CFCs. While the Global Warming Potential (GWP) of HCFCs is high (600-2,200 CO2-equivalent), it is much lower than that of CFCs (6,000-10,600 CO2-equivalent).
The majority of HCFCs have a high GWP. Their phase-out through the introduction of lower GWP alternatives will therefore contribute significantly to climate change mitigation. Depending on the alternative selected, this contribution can be very significant or can be so deleterious and of such magnitude as to nullify the efforts a country is undertaking via other voluntary actions, such as efficient lighting or appliance replacement programmes to achieve energy savings.
In 2007, the Parties to the Montreal Protocol agreed to accelerate the phase-out of HCFCs (initially targeted for 2040) largely because of the substantive climate benefits this would bring about. Parties operating under the Montreal Protocols Article 5(1) (mostly developing countries) may receive financial assistance from the Multilateral Fund for the implementation of the Montreal Protocol (MLF) to formulate their overarching strategy and prepare HCFC Phase-out Management Plans (HPMPs).
The control steps under the adjusted Montreal Protocol for these parties are; i) "freeze" of HCFC production and consumption by 2013 (the baseline being the average of 2009 and 2010); ii) reduction of 10% by 1 January 2015; iii) 35% reduction by 2020; iv) 67.5% reduction in 2025; v) 97.5 reduction by 2030; and vi) 100% phase out by 2040.
Hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are ozone-depleting substances and, under the terms of the Montreal Protocol, the production and consumption of HCFCs will be phased out in developed countries over the next 20 years.
HCFCs are used extensively in the refrigeration and air conditioning industry, the most common being R-22. The challenge for the refrigeration and air conditioning industry and equipment owners is to prepare for the orderly move from HCFC refrigerants to the many alternatives offered in the refrigeration market place. This is becoming more important when the typical life cycle of 10 to 30 years for HCFC equipment is taken into consideration. Based on these life cycle timeframes and the phase-out schedule for HCFCs, industry members and their customers need to be aware of the facts on the HCFC phase-out and the alternatives available when planning for future.