The GCC region, categorised under Article 5 Group 2 in the Kigali Amendment, faces a unique set of challenges in transitioning from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) to lower-global warming potential (GWP) alternatives, such as hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs) or natural refrigerants. Amid mounting urgency from global and regional regulators to accelerate the refrigerant transition worldwide, including in the Middle East, this shift is seen as a critical step in combating global warming and addressing climate change challenges. With a different implementation timeline than other regions, this transition has specific concerns, including the use of flammable refrigerants, the training of technicians and the readiness of regulatory bodies. Additionally, the region’s high ambient temperatures present a unique challenge, as refrigerants behave differently under such conditions compared to milder climate regions.

Unique challenges of refrigerant transition in the Middle East

1. Regulating and using flammable refrigerants: Many low-GWP alternatives, such as HFOs and natural refrigerants, are flammable. This raises significant safety concerns, as improper handling or storage could lead to fire hazards. The region’s technicians, who often lack the necessary training to work with these refrigerants, require skill upgrades to ensure safe and effective handling. Clear safety protocols and updated regulatory measures are essential to mitigate these risks. The transition to natural A3 highly flammable refrigerants like R290 (propane) for central ACs and heat pumps, if it ever happens, is a long way off and will involve considerable research to ensure safety.

2. Technician training and skill development: Transitioning to these refrigerants demands new skills, including an advanced understanding of flammability, pressure-temperature relationships and system design. To address this, the Refrigerant Driving License (RDL) programme, jointly developed by UNEP and AHRI, is now ready for administration to interested parties. This programme provides comprehensive training materials and testing for technicians before they can claim RDL certification, ensuring they possess the necessary competencies to handle refrigerants safely and effectively. Currently, the availability of trained and certified technicians in the Middle East is insufficient. A large-scale training initiative is needed to bridge this gap.

3. Regulatory and governmental preparedness: Building codes, safety standards, transportation, warehousing and other regulations must evolve to accommodate the use of new refrigerants. Governments in the region need to expedite regulatory updates, aligning them with global standards while addressing local needs. This aligns with the global regulatory push to accelerate climate action through rapid adoption of lower-GWP refrigerants, underscoring the need for immediate and coordinated efforts. New refrigerants are already entering the Middle Eastern market, making it important for regulatory bodies to begin the process and keep pace with developed countries.

4. High-ambient temperature conditions: The Middle East’s extreme climate, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40 degrees C, is a challenge. Certain refrigerants may exhibit reduced efficiency and capacity under such conditions. Evaluation of refrigerants to ensure suitability for high-ambient temperatures is essential.

5. Regulations requiring low-GWP refrigerants: The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol necessitates the use of refrigerants with low-GWP ratings. In the United States and Europe, maximum GWP levels of 700 and 750 have been established, with plans to lower this threshold to below 150, soon. One of the dilemmas faced by the Middle East is whether to follow a phased transition, starting at a higher GWP threshold or to leapfrog directly to a low GWP of 150. This approach would avoid the need for successive transitions and align the region with future global standards from the outset. Global pressure to adopt low-GWP refrigerants is increasing due to its role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The AHRI Refrigerant Transition Work Group is actively discussing this strategy, though no decision has been made. As the GCC region falls under Group 2, it has a delayed compliance timeline, providing an opportunity to adopt a tailored solution suitable for local conditions rather than mimicking other regions.

6. PFAS in refrigerants and new regulations: Some refrigerants contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals”, due to their persistence in the environment. PFAS are increasingly being scrutinised for their potential harm to human health and the environment. The European Union is considering a comprehensive ban as early as 2026. This poses a significant challenge for the HVAC industry, as refrigerants containing PFAS could be out of reach due to regulatory changes.

The role of AHRI MENA’s Refrigerant Transition Work Group

Recognising these challenges, AHRI has established a Refrigerant Transition Work Group, comprising regional and international HVAC system and component manufacturers and is chaired by Murad Abu Salimah from Danfoss. The group’s primary objectives are:

1. Evaluating refrigerants for regional suitability: The work group is assessing the performance of available refrigerants under high-ambient conditions. Field testing is being considered to determine which refrigerants are most effective in the Middle East’s climate. This data-driven approach ensures that selected refrigerants meet efficiency as well as safety requirements.

2. Guiding regulatory bodies: By leveraging lessons from Europe and the United States, the work group aims to help regional regulatory authorities adapt to the refrigerant transition efficiently. This involves providing technical assistance, sharing best practices and avoiding the need to “reinvent the wheel”.

3. Collaborating with UNEP and Local National Ozone Offices: The group will work with UNEP to support local ozone offices in developing phasedown plans for HFCs. These plans must align with the Kigali Amendment’s mandate to reduce HFC consumption by 85% by 2047. While each country will present its own plan and timeline, creating a successful model in one nation can serve as a blueprint for others in the region.

4. Involving stakeholders and ensuring industry readiness: The group has initiated discussions with chemical companies to evaluate new refrigerant products suitable for the Middle East. The intent is to ensure that HVAC manufacturers and industry collaborate with regulatory bodies and international organisations to address technical and regulatory barriers. Training programmes and certification schemes for technicians are a critical component of this collaborative effort.

Phasedown timeline and compliance

Under the Kigali Amendment, Middle Eastern countries are required to develop HFC phasedown plans. These plans outline the steps needed to achieve an 85% reduction in HFC consumption by 2047. Each country – in conjunction with their ozone office – will play a central role in crafting and implementing these timelines, ensuring alignment with global standards while addressing regional priorities. The accelerating global regulatory focus on meeting these targets highlights the need for swift and decisive action in crafting effective phasedown plans as soon as possible. This task of the phase-down, although the GCC region falls under Article 5 Group 2 hottest nations, will commence in 2028 and reduce the level to 15% of 2024-26 levels by the year 2047. Which means that the ozone office of each of these countries must present the plans as soon as possible and decide on how the phase-down will be implemented and what sectors will be affected. The specific reduction steps may include a freeze date in 2028, a 10% reduction by 2032, 20% by 2037, 30% by 2042, and an 85% reduction by 2047. Most likely, this region will start shifting sooner than 2028, as most manufacturers have already switched to the new refrigerants in the developed countries and will most likely not continue to produce two separate products or continue to develop products with harmful refrigerants.

Importance of refrigerant reclamation

An often-overlooked aspect of refrigerant management is the critical role of reclamation. Approximately 60% of the refrigerants sold globally are used to replenish existing systems due to leaks or servicing needs, while only 40% is used in new equipment. Training and the development of robust reclamation centres in the Middle East could significantly reduce the demand for new refrigerants, lower costs for end-users and mitigate environmental impact. Reclamation ensures that high-GWP refrigerants are captured, refined (removing moisture and oil) and reused, minimising their release into the atmosphere and supporting compliance with phasedown targets.

The path forward

As the Middle East embarks on this complex refrigerant transition, a multifaceted approach is essential. By focusing on training, regulatory alignment, reclamation infrastructure and targeted refrigerant evaluations, the region can achieve a smooth transition while meeting its obligations under the Kigali Amendment. The global regulatory push for accelerated refrigerant transitions underscores the critical need for the Middle East to align with these initiatives to combat climate change effectively. The collaborative efforts of industry stakeholders, regulatory bodies and international organizations will be crucial in overcoming the challenges and unlocking the opportunities of this transition. The Refrigerant Transition Work Group’s initiatives provide a roadmap for success, ensuring the Middle East’s HVAC industry is well-prepared for the future.

The work group will also release articles to update stakeholders on various elements of the transition in the upcoming months, keeping the industry informed and engaged.