AMMAN, 27 February 2018 – One of the most advanced refrigeration systems for supermarkets using CO2 as refrigerant was inaugurated in Jordan today. The official ceremony to unveil the new refrigeration system took place today at the Al Salam supermarket in Amman in the presence of the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Environment, Ahmad Al Qatarneh, representing the Minister of Environment, Nayef Al Fayez.

The project is being implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) with the support of the Ministry of Environment of Jordan, funded by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC). “The project implements the first transcritical CO2 refrigeration system in a supermarket in the entire region and is truly state-of-the-art technology. It is considered one of the most energy-efficient and climate-friendly refrigeration technologies for the retail sector,” said Sulafa Mdanat, UNIDO Country Representative in Jordan.

The project seeks to showcase the feasibility of non-hydrofluorocarbon-based technology in high-ambient temperature environments, in the context of the international environmental agreement (the Montreal Protocol) to phase out hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs).

Previously, the Al Salam supermarket used a system with a refrigerant that both depleted the ozone layer and contributed to global warming. This system has been replaced by an innovative, environmentally friendly refrigeration system manufactured by an Italian system manufacturer, Enex S.r.l., with display cabinets designed, manufactured and installed by Jordanian company, Abdin Industrial. The wide use of the CO2 refrigeration system is expected to substantially contribute to the protection of the environment, because CO2 has no influence on the ozone layer and a lower global warming potential than HCFCs, as well as increase energy efficiency.

“We are happy and proud to have the trust of and support from the Government of Jordan and the CCAC to together realize such an innovative technology demonstration project that is expected to set a good-practice example for the entire region,” said Stephan Sicars, Director of the Department of Environment, UNIDO.

The Minister of Environment, Nayef Al Fayez, said: “We welcome this great opportunity for Jordan to showcase our pioneering spirit and deep commitment to advancing environmentally friendly solutions in all areas. We are impressed by the high level of technical know-how demonstrated by UNIDO in the implementation of the project and we look forward to sharing results and to seeing replication in the country and the region.”

“We are proud to confirm that Jordan is a global pioneer in refrigeration technologies and we commend the efforts of local companies in moving ahead towards more efficient refrigeration technologies,” affirmed Dina Kisbi, Director of the Climate Change Directorate at the Ministry of Environment.

For technical project details please see Related Documents.

For further information, please contact:

Riccardo Savigliano

UNIDO Industrial Development Officer

Department of Environment

Email

Sulafa Mdanat

UNIDO Country Representative in Jordan

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