Costa Rica will launch an initiative to replace older, inefficient refrigerators that emit ozone-depleting HFCs, with newer and cleaner models. The program, which will start next year, is led by the Ministry of Environment and Energy in collaboration with the Costa Rican Electricity Institute.

The goal is to replace 300,000 refrigerators per year for a total of 2.7 million. Initially the program will target owners who can pay for replacement models in full or through installments. Eventually it will also target owners who will need to receive a subsidy. The Ministry is already negotiating with retailers and has applied for funding from the Multilateral Ozone Fund and Global Environment Facility.

The refrigerator switch-out will help lower electricity consumption by the equivalent of a 66 MW plant. The refrigerator program will also help avoid 5,437 tons of CO2 emissions.

Source: NRDC.org