The GIZ project Climate and Ozone Protection Alliance (COPA) and the Foreign Environmental Cooperation Centre (FECO) are cooperating to tackle the issue of life cycle management of refrigerants.
In August 2024, GIZ and FECO paid a site visit to Sino-Chem Group Lantian Co., Ltd. in Hangzhou and Shangyu to study the life cycle of refrigerants and analyse related management practices. The visit mainly focused on refrigerant recovery, which is a critical step in the life cycle.
As a leading refrigerant manufacturer, Sino-Chem Group Lantian Co., Ltd. has specialised not only in the production and development of refrigerants but also in the recovery of these, such as Halon 1301 and R123.
The site visits included both Lantian’s headquarters in Hangzhou and its facility in Shangyu, which is equipped with recovery equipment. Engaging directly with refrigerant manufacturers like Lantian is crucial for establishing a comprehensive life cycle management system. A detailed report from FECO is expected to offer recommendations to Chinese decision-makers on improving refrigerant management practices.
Demonstration of refrigerant recovery in the automotive sector points to significant potential
In addition to the cooperation with FECO, GIZ is also cooperating with the China Automotive Technology Research Center (CARTAC). In the framework of this collaborative initiative, both partners participated in a demonstration at the Harson Group’s headquarters in Guangzhou, aimed at highlighting the potential for refrigerant recovery in automotive repair.
Harson Group, based in Guangzhou, is a leading company in automotive services, specializing on car repair, maintenance, and the recovery of refrigerants. It operates numerous workshops across China, offering comprehensive solutions in vehicle servicing, including environmentally friendly refrigerant recovery methods. The workshop showcased strong collaboration and skilled technicians during the demonstration phase.
The demonstration was conducted under several scenarios:
- Business-as-Usual (BAU) scenario,
- Scenario 1: Using a recovery machine,
- Scenario 2: Using a recovery machine and trained technicians,
- Mitigation Scenario (MIT) scenario: An ideal situation where no refrigerant is vented.
The results are expected to demonstrate the significant potential for refrigerant recovery during the car repair process. With the demonstration phase complete, the final report will be published on the COPA website. An online presentation of the findings is scheduled for October 2024.
