Green Cooling solutions in Kenya: The handover of climate and environmentally friendly Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (RAC) equipment to local institutions was a milestone within the Green Cooling Initiative project that comes to an end soon.
On Thursday, March 27, 2025, The Nairobi National Polytechnic hosted an event to mark the official handover of climate and environmentally friendly and energy-efficient transcritical CO2 ejector supermarket refrigeration training RACK and R290 split air-conditioners. This event was organized by the Kenyan Ministry of Education, the Kenyan Ministry of Environment, Climate Change and Forestry MECCF), the German Embassy, the Nairobi National Polytechnic and GIZ Proklima Green Cooling Initiative, funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV).
Advancing Green Cooling Initiatives
The collaboration between the German and Kenyan governments has made significant strides in implementing the Montreal Protocol and the Kigali Amendment. The event highlighted the use of natural refrigerants such as R290 or CO2, which are more climate and environmentally friendly than synthetic alternatives and come with higher energy efficiency.
During the event the donation of one transcritical CO2 ejector supermarket refrigeration training RACK as well as the donation of 24 green split air conditioning units and tools to four technical training institutions and 15 units to the Coast General Hospital were officially handed over by the various representatives including Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Environment (MECCF), the German Embassy among others.
Investing in Future Workforce
The donation is part of a long-term investment in the local workforce and the growing refrigeration and air conditioning sector. Trainers from both Kenya and Germany provided training sessions, ensuring the equipment's optimal use and maintenance.
Demonstration Project in Healthcare
The donation to the Coast General Hospital serves as a demonstration project, showcasing the benefits of efficient cooling appliances in healthcare settings. These systems are expected to improve operations, reduce energy usage, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Commitment to Sustainability
The event underscored the commitment to sustainable and energy-efficient technologies. The CO2 training RACK represents the latest advancements in supermarket refrigeration, emphasizing the importance of environmentally responsible solutions.
Future Plans
Looking ahead, GIZ plans to donate an additional 80 green air conditioning units to various technical training institutes and another hospital. The newly commissioned GRACE (opens in a new window)project will support Kenya's room air conditioning sector for the next three years.
