Energy Efficiency through the Development of Low-carbon Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Technologies in Trinidad and Tobago

Given the extensive use of hydrocloroflurocarbons (HCFC) gas in the RAC sector, and the current phase-out programme, the introduction of suitable long term environmentally friendly technological solutions is considered to be a priority. The project, which is spearheaded by the NOUTT of the Ministry of Planning and Development, therefore aims to: -Enhance national policy, regulatory and institutional frameworks for sustainable end-use of RAC technologies: This will address a number of aspects related to institutional capacity building, policy development and coordination mechanisms, aimed at creating the environment to encourage these technologies in the local RAC sector. -Accelerate the RAC market transformation towards less energy intensive and low-GWP technologies: This will support the country in the acceleration of the RAC market transformation, aimed at infiltrating less energy intensive environmentally-sound technologies within the RAC sector. -Conduct information exchange, outreach and Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): This is intended to provide necessary means for the monitoring and evaluation of results in order to furnish adaptive management of the programme as well as to carry out an information strategy and an awareness raising campaign for knowledge gained, lessons learned and best practices for the improved alternative RAC systems throughout the course of project implementation. It is expected that the project will provide global environmental benefits in terms of direct emission carbon dioxide equivalent (tO2eq) savings of at least 644,396 tCO2eq in four (4) years. Additionally, the initiative will seek to bring about integrated institutional planning and coordination of ground-breaking technology interventions aligned with greater efficiency. The ongoing phase-out of HCFCs would therefore not only protect the ozone layer but also impact positively on mitigating climate change. This is in keeping with the objectives of the National Climate Change Policy 2011, and fulfilment of its national provisions under the Montreal Protocol and the UNFCCC.