By Eamonn Ryan, from the transcript
At the HFC Phase Down Workshop hosted by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) on 16/17 September, Natasha Kochova project coordinator at UNIDO (United Nations Industrial Development Organisation) presented on the topic of the Kigali Implementation Plan (KIP). The following is her presentation. This is Part 3 of a five-part article.
Aligning for success
To meet the 10% reduction target, South Africa must focus on several key areas:
- Regulatory measures: Implementing and enforcing regulations related to HFC management
- Industry engagement: Ensuring that industries are on board and prepared for the changes
- Alternative technologies: Identifying and adopting refrigerants with lower GWP as part of a phased reduction strategy.
A robust HFC licensing system is crucial for tracking and managing HFC consumption and trade. The World Customs Organisation has updated the Harmonised System (HS) codes to better classify refrigerants and their blends. New subheadings, such as those for halogenated derivatives, reflect the environmental impact and are intended to simplify the monitoring of imports and exports.
The latest HS codes are:
- Heading 29.03: For HFCs.
- Heading 38.27: For mixtures containing HFCs.
These updates facilitate more accurate tracking of refrigerants, though challenges remain with non-specific codes, particularly when dealing with blends of HFCs. Accurate reporting and monitoring of CO2 equivalents are crucial for compliance and effective phase-down.
One major challenge is the non-specific nature of some tariff codes, which can hinder precise calculations of CO2 equivalents for blended refrigerants. To address this, there is a need for improved tariff codes that cover the full spectrum of HFC mixtures used in various sectors, including the foam industry.
Global ratification and local development
As of now, 160 countries have ratified the Kigali Amendment, representing more than three-quarters of the global total. This widespread adoption underscores the universal commitment to addressing climate change through the phased reduction of HFCs.
For South Africa, the development of the KIP includes several stages:
- Preparation: Initial steps include developing terms of reference and appointing consultants
- Analysis: Conducting desk studies and data analysis to inform the plan
- Stakeholder engagement: Gathering input through questionnaires and meetings
- Finalisation: Completing the draft report and submitting it for endorsement and funding approval.
The KIP for South Africa will set specific reduction targets: 10% by 2029, 30% by 2035, 50% by 2040, and 80% by 2045. The country can also consider intermediate steps to ease the transition for industries.