South Africa has taken a major step toward phasing out HCFCs in commercial and industrial refrigeration following the successful completion of four demonstration projects of low‑global‑warming‑potential (GWP) refrigeration technology under stage I of its HCFC Phase‑out Management Plan (HPMP).

Highlighting the viability of alternative technologies with ozone and climate benefits

With UNIDO serving as the implementing agency, the demonstrations showcased alternatives to technology based on HCFC-22, which is an ozone‑depleting substance with a significant GWP. Hydrocarbon‑based refrigeration technology (R‑290) was piloted in a small supermarket, CO₂ trans-critical systems in a large supermarket, industrial ammonia/CO₂ cascade systems in the dairy industry, and R‑290‑based chillers in a hospital. The aim was to raise awareness among end-users about these alternatives and their technological viability, scalability, ozone and climate benefits, and energy savings. The projects also covered the disposal of replaced equipment and the recovery of refrigerants prior to destruction.

Part of a sustained multipronged approach to eliminating HCFCs

These demonstration projects formed part of South Africa’s long‑term efforts to eliminate all HCFCs due to their impact on the ozone layer. HCFC-22 was once widely used in commercial and industrial refrigeration. Since 2012, the country has introduced a series of regulatory measures - such as bans on importing HCFC‑based equipment and installing new HCFC‑charged systems - that have accelerated the adoption of cleaner technologies. Stage I of the HPMP also prioritized establishing a refrigerant recovery and reclamation system and ongoing training for technicians on low‑GWP alternatives. Combined with rising HCFC‑22 prices, these actions provided strong momentum for the pilot installations.

Demonstrating significant emission reductions and lower operating costs

By 2024, South Africa had reduced its overall HCFC consumption by 76 per cent from the baseline. The demonstration projects contributed directly by replacing 1.06 metric tonnes of HCFC-22 and delivering energy savings of up to 24 per cent in large commercial and industrial systems. Early monitoring suggests that small commercial equipment and R‑290 chillers may achieve savings of up to 20 per cent.

Enterprises participating in the project made a substantial financial contribution, providing significant co-financing of the costs, which evidenced their enthusiasm for, and confidence in, the technological transition.  Overall, the projects demonstrated that the tested alternatives are viable, efficient and scalable, offering significant emission reductions and lower operating costs.

High replicability and key lessons for scaling up

Replicability is considered high for supermarkets, where system upgrades can align with routine refurbishment cycles, reducing investment risk. Industrial facilities also show strong potential, as phased approaches allow gradual transition while maintaining operations.

The success of the projects is attributed in part to technician training on the safe handling of alternative refrigerants and strong policy support. Lessons learned for scaling up include highlighting the economic and practical benefits of low‑GWP systems, ensuring the early adoption of digital monitoring tools and energy benchmarks, and incorporating capacity building for staff and end-users. The continued implementation of supporting policies, through building codes, procurement standards and incentives, and engaging equipment manufacturers, especially suppliers of R‑290 and CO₂ systems, will further diversify options, reduce costs and accelerate adoption.

Building momentum for HCFC phase-out and HFC phase-down

As South Africa implements stage II of the HPMP, which will phase out 100 per cent of HCFC consumption, and stage I of the Kigali HFC Implementation Plan, which aims to reduce HFC consumption by 14.6 per cent of the national baseline, these demonstration projects will serve as a strong foundation for the wider rollout of low‑GWP technologies.