"Advancing Climate Action: Progress and Prospects of the Cooling Programme for Southern Africa"

On 11 and 12 September 2023, focal points from the climate change, ozone and energy departments of national ministries in Botswana, Eswatini, Namibia and South Africa met with representatives of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and GFA Consulting Group. The meeting, commissioned by the German Government, aimed to discuss the status and future direction of the Cooling Programme for Southern Africa (CooPSA).

Hosted by the Government of Botswana, this regional workshop was the first meeting of the CooPSA project, following national working group meetings in all four partner countries. Moving from the design phase to implementation, the workshop facilitated lively discussions from different perspectives, highlighting the importance of regulating the cooling sector.

Over the two days, participants outlined the current status of Article 6 frameworks and processes, identified barriers to the use of carbon finance, and explored potential support options. Discussions also focused on accounting approaches for direct and indirect emissions under different scenarios for all partner countries. The workshop covered the implementation of the integrated financing instrument for the Air Conditioner (AC) Replacement Programme, including presentations on life cycle analysis. Updates on the development of the Green AC training programme and Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) were also provided.

Finally, participants discussed the next steps for the CooPSA project, which will be integrated into future processes. The Cooling Programme for Southern Africa, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection (BMWK), operates as a pilot project under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. Its objectives include facilitating direct and indirect emission reductions through the promotion of energy-efficient air conditioners using natural refrigerants. In addition, the project aims to generate co-benefits such as job creation and market penetration of natural refrigerants in developing and emerging countries.

Link to the CooPSA project page Cooling Program for Southern Africa (CooPSA) (carbon-mechanisms.de)