India launches new plan to phase out ozone killer HCFC

NEW DELHI: Adhering to its global commitment, India on Monday launched its latest plan to phase out a key refrigerant, hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC), under its efforts to end the use of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) that harm the environment and human health.

Though the plan is meant for the 2017-23 period, the goal is to phase out consumption and manufacturing of HCFC by 2030. HCFCs are currently used in sectors including refrigeration, air conditioning and foam manufacturing.

In 1987, over 190 countries had reached an agreement under the Montreal Protocol to phase out ODS in a time-bound manner. Under this, India has already successfully phased out the earlier generation of refrigerants, chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and halon. A multilateral fund, set up under the Protocol, has approved $44.1 million for India's HCFC management plan.The money will be used to help industries switch over to alternatives and train manpower. Domestic industries are, however, expected to invest in research to discover clean alternatives.

“Industries must invest in R&D to carve a niche for India at a global level. It will also create skills and generate employment,“ said environment minister Anil Madhav Dave after launching the latest HCFC phase-out plan.

Addressing stakeholders, including refrigerant industry representatives, Dave recalled how India had acted proactively to reach a fair deal in Kigali, Rwanda, in 2016 to phase out another refrigerant, hydrofluorocarbon (HFC), which is currently being used as an alternative to ODS like HCFC. He said it was time for the industry to invest in research to develop cutting-edge technology.

After phasing out HCFCs, India will have to work on to phase out HFC. Though HFC is not an ODS, it has climatedamaging potential. India has to phase out HFC by 85% by 2047 over the 2024-2026 level (baseline).