China and Vietnam get funding support to phase out HCFCs

The World Bank recently approved a grant of USD 73 million from the Multilateral Fund to China to support its efforts to phase out HCFC consumption and production.
In November 2012, the World Bank approved a grant of USD 73 million from the Multilateral Fund to China to support its efforts to phase out HCFC consumption and production.

The Montreal Protocol requires gradual phase-out starting in 2013 and leading to a complete phase-out of HCFC consumption and production by 2030 for developing countries. China is the world’s largest producer – over 70% of the global supply – and consumer of HCFCs. Therefore, phase-out of HCFCs in China is critical for the successful implementation of the Montreal Protocol.

The focus will be on introduction of alternative technologies to support phase-out of about 12 000 MT of HCFC-141b – used as a foam blowing agent – by 2015 in three subsectors including reefers and containers, refrigeration and freezers, and small household appliances.

The World Bank also granted a fund of USD 9.8 million to Vietnam, which has similar objectives.