A seminar on Energy Efficiency and Alternative Technologies for the Cooling Sector was held at the Arthur Chung Conference Center from December 3-5, 2019 in Georgetown, Guyana. This event was organised in response to the impending replacement of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector. Guyana, as a signatory to the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, joined countries around the world in 2016 in support of the phase-down of high global warming potential substances that threaten to derail global efforts to mitigate climate change. In 2024, Guyana is expected to commence reducing our importation of HFCs.
The seminar featured participation and technical presentations from Latin American and Caribbean Experts in the areas of Energy Efficiency and alternative cooling technologies. Participants explored the adoption of lower global warming potential substances in the cooling sector such as carbon dioxide, ammonia and hydrocarbons and the potential energy benefits to be accrued through adoption of these alternatives and better servicing practices within this sector.
Honourable Noel Holder, Minister of Agriculture in his remarks during the opening ceremony highlighted the potential opportunity for reducing energy consumption at all levels through consumption reductions in the cooling sector that is estimated to account for approximately 17 percent of energy consumed worldwide. He applauded the organization of the forum which he believes “will contribute to the construct of responsive policies and practices within this sector, even as we navigate this important juncture in our country’s history”, emphasizing the importance of a “country-driven and needs-focused” approach to our international obligations. The Minister lauded the timely partnership with the United Nations Development Programme and the financial support provided by the Government of New Zealand for the execution of this seminar.
Also present at the opening ceremony were Jairo Valverde Bermudez, Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme; Ms. Paloma Somohano, Montreal Protocol Adviser to the United Nations Development Programme, Latin and America and Caribbean Office; Mr. Marco Pinzon, Caribbean Network Coordinator for the Montreal Protocol under the United Nations Environment Programme and Dr. Garvin Cummings, Chief Hydrometeorological Officer. Ms. Delma Nedd, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture during closing remarks emphasized that the discussions during the seminar were relevant and “fit well into Guyana’s goals for sustainable growth”.
Approximately 70 individuals from Guyana and Caribbean countries participated in this seminar. Participants included policy and technical representatives from the public and private sectors. The seminar is believed to be the first of its kind for the Caribbean region.
