World Ozone Day at “Karl Gega” Vocational School: When Climate-Friendly Technology Becomes a Reality
23/09/2026
Refrigerant Reclamation: Bringing Polish Best Practice to Albania
30/10/2026
Tirana, 22–23 October 2026
Within the framework of the implementation of Stage I of Albania’s Kigali HFC Implementation Plan (KIP), the National Ozone Unit (NOU) of Albania, in cooperation with Harry Fultz College, organized a two-day training workshop on 22–23 October 2026, entitled “The Kigali Amendment: Low-GWP Refrigerants in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) Sector.”
The workshop brought together 25 RAC technicians, aiming to strengthen their technical knowledge and professional skills in the safe and efficient use of alternative refrigerants with lower climate impacts. The training consisted of two complementary components: theoretical sessions and practical hands-on exercises, combining knowledge of the Kigali Amendment requirements with practical servicing and maintenance skills.
Theoretical Component
The theoretical component focused on the Kigali Amendment’s objectives for the gradual phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Albania’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol, and the transition towards climate-friendly cooling technologies.
The sessions covered the characteristics and applications of alternative refrigerants, including natural refrigerants such as R-290, R-600a and R-744, as well as relevant technical and safety requirements.
Particular attention was given to leak prevention, good servicing practices and energy efficiency.
Practical Component
The practical component focused on demonstrating safe procedures for handling alternative refrigerants. Participants received practical instruction on the use of appropriate servicing equipment, refrigerant identification, leak detection, system tightness testing, refrigerant recovery, system evacuation and charging procedures.
Special emphasis was placed on safety precautions when handling flammable refrigerants.
Outcomes and Contribution to KIP Implementation
The workshop contributed to strengthening the professional capacities of Albanian RAC technicians, promoting good servicing practices and supporting the sector’s preparedness for the introduction of more climate-friendly and energy-efficient technologies.
This activity supports the implementation of the Kigali Amendment in Albania and the objectives of KIP Stage I, particularly the gradual phase-down of HFC consumption and the promotion of low-GWP alternatives in the refrigeration and air conditioning sector.
