On 19 August 2025, the training laboratory simulating a mini-supermarket with natural refrigerants CO₂ and R-290 was inaugurated at Firjan-SENAI Benfica, in Rio de Janeiro. The lab was established under the Brazilian HCFC Phase-out Management Plan (HPMP), coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA/NOU) and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.
The modern lab is equipped with a cascade refrigeration system donated by national manufacturer Eletrofrio, representing state-of-the-art technology for commercial refrigeration with climate-friendly refrigerants. It will offer the new free-of-charge course “Training for the Safe and Efficient Use of CO₂ and R-290 in Commercial Refrigeration Systems,” designed for technicians, operators, and engineers, especially those working in supermarkets and food retail.
The inauguration ceremony brought together representatives from MMA, GIZ, Firjan-SENAI, and Eletrofrio, highlighting the relevance of this initiative for the sector. During the event, speakers emphasized the importance of technical training to ensure a safe and efficient transition from HCFCs and high-GWP HFCs towards natural refrigerants, aligned with Brazil’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment.
In preparation for the first classes, a “Training of Trainers Workshop” took place at Firjan-SENAI Benfica from 18 to 23 August, engaging 16 professionals and featuring both theoretical and practical sessions. National experts delivered lectures and hands-on training based on international safety standards.
The new course will be given by SENAI instructors, trained through the HPMP’s capacity-building program. It includes 40 hours of training, with 70% practical sessions. At least 150 professionals are expected to complete the training by December 2025.
This is the second of four planned mini-supermarket laboratories under the Brazilian HPMP. The first was inaugurated in June 2025 in Curitiba, Paraná, and is already conducting weekly training classes. Additional laboratories are planned in other regions of Brazil over the coming years, supporting the country’s transition to sustainable refrigeration.