The now finalised new F-Gas Regulation will bring a phase down of HFCs across Europe, accompanied by bans on their use in certain applications and inevitably increase interest in the use of alternative refrigerant options. The Institute of Refrigeration, working as part of a project called "REAL Alternatives" funded by the EU Leonardo Life Long Learning Programme, has been investigating with key stakeholders just how ready we are for the wider uptake of alternatives.These include carbon dioxide, hydrocarbon, ammonia and low flammables, and what skills issues might need to be addressed.

 
Earlier this year a survey was carried out via five European partner organisations. The results from over 100 detailed responses from a wide variety of companies showed that there is a high level of awareness of information and guidance on the use of alternative refrigerants. 

However, employers were concerned that accessible and reliable training would be needed to address concerns around fundamental skills of technicians and designers.The safety, reliability and efficiency of alternative refrigeration systems in Europe could be at risk due to lack of availability of expertise and skills in design, component selection, installation, service and maintenance and containment of refrigerant. This is highlighted in Figure 1 which shows in the results to one survey question “What technical issues need to be addressed related to the wider use of alternative refrigerants?”

The survey responses also pointed towards the need to have a mix of approaches toupskilling the current workforce - including in-house updates, external training sessions, self study etc. For individuals and employers there was a strong desire for learning to be formally assessed and certified to make this valuable. 

[ΠΗΓΗ: http://www.fridgehub.com/  http://www.realalternatives.eu/]