81311183-Expert Services on Development and Implementation of Energy Efficiency Projects under the Montreal Protocol

The Montreal Protocol (MP) is a multilateral environmental agreement which was established in 1987 to eliminate ozone depleting substances (ODS). When released in the air, these man-made chemicals, which are typically used in refrigeration or as foam-blowing agents, damage the stratospheric ozone layer. This would allow increased harmful UV radiation to reach Earth, resulting in higher incidences of skin cancer and eye cataracts, as well as adverse effects on natural ecosystems and agriculture. In 1991, the Multilateral Fund (MLF) was created to support developing countries and economies in transition (Article 5 countries) in their efforts to comply with the requirements of the MP. Article 5 countries (A5) can receive funding from the MLF and propose projects to meet their MP obligations.

With the progressive phase-out of ozone depleting substances (CFC, HCFC) and the subsequent introduction of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as non-ozone depleting alternatives, the priorities have changed internationally, especially regarding to climate protection. HFCs are used in refrigeration technologies, aerosols, foams and other products and have high GWPs (global warming potential), up to 14.000. In 2016 the parties of the Montreal Protocol reached an agreement to reduce the HFC production worldwide by 85% until 2047. The Kigali Amendment has been ratified up to date by 159 countries. The debate is linked to the discussion about the importance of energy efficiency of RACHP (Refrigeration, Air Conditioning and Heat Pumps) technologies. The consumption of energy required to power air conditioners in developing countries is set to rise 13 times in the next 40 years, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The discussion about the support of maintaining and/or enhancing energy efficiency in the RACHP sector, while phasing down HFCs, through the MLF has been ongoing for many years within the regime of the Montreal Protocol. Currently there are three open funding windows within the MLF, which were established under the scope of the following decisions:

- Decision 89/6 sets the frame for energy efficiency activities in Low-Volume Consuming Countries (LVC) . These projects focus on the development of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and labelling, certification schemes, awareness raising and training and usually have a budget from 100.000 - 120.000 USD. - Decision 91/65 includes a funding window of altogether 20 Mio. USD and finances pilot projects, especially for manufacturers (e.g. of EE components), assemblers and installers, but also in the servicing sector (e.g. training of refrigerant technicians, etc.) and for the preparation of MEPS, and the certification of RAC technicians, if not yet considered under decision 89/6. - Under Decision 94/60 parties are invited to submit energy efficiency pilot projects as part of/well aligned with their KIPs under the so called operational framework for energy efficiency. For these activities another additional funding window of 100 Mio. USD has been established at ExCom94 (June 2024). These projects are very similar to the pilot projects of Decision 91/65. The assignment of this contract aims to enhance energy efficiency in the RACHP sector while phasing down HFCs, leveraging the available funding windows under the Montreal Protocol. The contractor is expected to - understand, navigate and advise on the different funding windows; - be actively involved in technical assessments, proposal preparations, and project implementation; - be actively involved in capacity building and knowledge transfer; - and to collaborate with various stakeholders across multiple regions and build good working partnerships Projects and activities are planned and implemented jointly with our direct partners, i.e. governmental institutions, typically the National Ozone Units (NOUs) that are usually located within the ministries of environment. The implementation is steered by the NOUs. As the projects are located in the energy sector, also the stakeholders of the energy sector have to be brought on board (with guidance of the NOU) - such stakeholders involve i.a. Energy/Electricity Commissions, Bureau of Standards, Ministries of Energy. Other partners are non-governmental environmental and industrial organisations and vocational training institutions. Private businesses are considered important implementation partners as technology developers, providers, and consumers.

GIZ Proklima is currently preparing project proposals in Kenya, Togo, Uganda and Sierra Leone, mainly in the supermarket sector. The contractor is expected to support project preparation and implementation also in Liberia, Seychelles, Namibia, Mauritius, Lesotho and Burkina Faso. The contractor potentially will not only be involved in already ongoing project preparations and approved projects but will also support new project ideas. These could be developed not only in Africa, but also in Latin America (potentially in Mexico, Brazil or Colombia) or Asia (potentially in India, China or Papua New Guinea).