The AGORA project (“Abating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Obsolete RAC Equipment in Ghana and Nigeria”) serves as a pilot initiative designed to be replicated in other African countries. Its core aim is to:• Transition the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector towards energy-efficient and climate-friendly technologies.• Address challenges related to the end-of-life treatment of RAC equipment, ensuring sustainable management.• Demonstrate the benefits of a circular economy approach, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ozone depletion.Key Aspects as a Pilot:1. Replication Potential:o The project emphasizes knowledge sharing and policy transfer. Lessons learned in Ghana and Nigeria regarding second-hand equipment bans, rebate mechanisms, and market transformation will inform regional initiatives.o Success in these two countries will guide other African nations in adopting low-GWP refrigerants and advanced RAC systems.2. Regional Impact:o Through its partnerships with UNDP, UNEP, and regional bodies like ECOWAS, AGORA lays the groundwork for scaling up interventions across Africa.o The project envisions initiating a regional market transformation, particularly promoting technologies like R-290-based air conditioners.3. Capacity Building and Governance:o By piloting sustainable financing, regulatory frameworks, and monitoring systems, AGORA sets a benchmark for other countries aiming to strengthen their RAC sector policies and implementation.In conclusion, AGORA is not just a project for Ghana and Nigeria but a model for Africa, showcasing how targeted interventions in the RAC sector can achieve climate, economic, and energy goals. Summary Report for AGORA Project Meeting in Nigeria 🇳🇬
Inception Report Meeting – 25th November 2024 at Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham
The inception meeting marked the official launch of the AGORA project in Nigeria, focusing on transitioning to energy-efficient, low-GWP cooling technologies in the RAC sector. Key highlights included:
- Welcome Remarks: Delivered by representatives from the National Ozone Office (Engr. Idris Abdullahi), UNEP, UNDP, and the Energy Commission of Nigeria.
- Sector Overview: Presentations on RAC policies, key actors, and ongoing energy-efficiency initiatives by the National Ozone Officer and SON.
- AGORA Project Presentation: Covered objectives, components, governance, and links to Ghana’s ECOFRIDGES program.
- Open Discussions: Stakeholders discussed challenges, expectations, and next steps for project implementation.
The meeting emphasized partnerships with government, private sectors, NGOs, and international organizations to ensure project success.
Project Implementation Meeting – 26th November 2024 at the Director of NOO’s Office
This meeting focused on detailed project planning and discussions on key initiatives, including:
Waste Management and EE Projects: Explored RAC waste management strategies and opportunities to strengthen energy-efficiency initiatives in Nigeria.
Implementation Planning: Collaborations between UNDP, UNEP, and NOU to finalize governance mechanisms and timelines.
HPMP and KIP Development: Discussed progress on the HPMP, planning for Stage IV, and addressing gaps in Kigali Implementation Plan (KIP) activities.
