The Ministry of Industrialisation and Trade (MIT) through the National Ozone Unit (NOU) with assistance from the GIZ Proklima donated 16 Green Air Conditioners (ACs) to the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre valued at N$ 216,775. The purpose of the donation is to promote the sustainable use of green energy-efficient appliances, as the sector is moving away from greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to mitigate pollution. The donation further aims to capacitate technicians through training in the safe handling of these devices (new technology). Therefore, focusing on energy efficiency standards, safety standards, energy and safety testing requirements, and good practices in installation and maintenance is very important in the refrigeration and air conditioners (RAC) sector.
A Green AC, in contrast to conventional ACs, has no ozone-depleting potential (ODP) or a global warming potential (GWP), reduces energy consumption by up to 5,000 kWh over its lifetime which causes significant cost reductions for both consumers and the government, and is set to be the game changer for the air conditioning industry. Deputy Executive Director for Industrial Development, Dr. Michael Humavindu who handed over the donation indicated that the Ministry is working closely with customs officials to ensure that the right refrigeration and air conditioners are imported, and that support by the MIT alongside the VTC is being offered to value chains that support the right RACs.
The Green ACs are part of equipment donated by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) to the MIT in December 2023. GIZ is cooperating with Namibia in the implementation of technical projects for ozone protection under the Montreal Protocol since 1998. In this context, the transitioning from CFCs was accompanied and the exit from HCFCs is currently being accompanied through the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP) and the implementation of funding windows under the Montreal Protocol in strong cooperation with this Ministry.
In 2016, the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol broadened the focus of this cooperation from ozone to climate protection which is why GIZ is supporting Namibia in the phase-down of HFCs through the Cooling Program for Southern Africa abbreviated by CooPSA. WVTC’s Centre Manager, Mr. Polli Andima who received the donation on behalf of the centres thanked the Ministry for its donation and said the VTC’s technicians and trainees will be trained on how to properly install and ensure proper maintenance thereof, as well as utilize them responsibly. He indicated that the 16 ACs will be distributed and installed at the Valombola, Gobabis, Arandis, and Windhoek vocational training centres (four units at each centre).
-MIT