The President of the Institute of Reforms as a co-author participated in the development of the UNIDO Summary of Policy and Regulatory guideline for Kigali Implementation Projects.
Introduction
The 1987 Montreal Protocol, which was created to protect the diminishing ozone layer, led to a large increase in the use of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Back then HFCs were thought to be acceptable substitutes for ozone layer-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), not having considered, HFCs being among the most potent greenhouse gases. Contributing to more global warming than carbon dioxide over the short term, HFCs are commonly used in refrigeration, air conditioning, building insulation, and aerosols. In 2016, the international community adopted the Kigali Amendment to the 1987 Montreal Protocol, to phase out the use of Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Committing the countries to cut the production and consumption of HFCs by more than 80 percent over the next 30 years and avoiding up to 0.5° Celsius warming by the end of the century.
Key features of the Kigali Amendment:
- The HFC phase-down involves a three-step approach, taking into account different situations for various groups of countries (see phase-down schedule table below).
- Requirement to destroy HFC-23, from 1 January 2020, produced during the manufacture of HCFCs or HFCs to the extent practicable using technology approved by the Parties in the same twelve-month period.
- Licensing for the import and export of new, used, recycled and reclaimed HFCs.
- GWPs (100 year) have been listed for CFCs, HCFCs and HFCs.
- HFOs and HCFOs are not included in the Kigali Amendment.
With the Multilateral Fund further supporting the countries to meet their compliance obligations through the Kigali Implementation Plan (KIP). Mutual communication and cooperation shows the need for sharing and exchanging the experience throughout the project preparation phase and data collection activities. UNIDO’s Montreal Protocol Unit (MPU) as the implementing agency focusing on the Kigali Amendment provisions and phase-down targets, Executive Committee relevant decisions, analysis of the legislative and regulatory framework, prepared this summary based on the UNIDO experience in the KIP development to assist National Ozone Units (NOUs) and local experts in the preparation of Kigali Implementation Plans (KIPs).
Upon finalization of KIPs Preparation Guidelines by the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund, this summary will be re-issued to reflect additional details and to be in line with the forthcoming guidelines.