The implications of the establishment of new hydrochlorofluorocarbon-22 (HCFC-22) facilities

The issue was first referred to SBSTA by decision 12/CP.10. CMP 1, by its decision 8/CMP.1, agreed to a definition of “new HCFC-22 facilities” and also that crediting such facilities could lead to higher global production of HCFC-22 and/or HFC-23.

The SBSTA, at its twenty-fifth session, considered submissions made as per a SBSTA 24 conclusion (FCCC/SBSTA/2006/MISC.11) and discussed three options on how to minimize the adverse affects of crediting new HCFC-22 facilities.

The SBSTA, at its twenty-sixth session, agreed to further discuss the issue at SBSTA 27, based on views submitted by the Parties on any possible approaches to address the implications mentioned in decision 8/CMP.1. and took note and welcomed information, analyses or outcomes of assessment panels, conventions and international organizations (i.e. TEAP) that may be relevant to the discussions on the implication of crediting new facilities under CDM.

The SBSTA, at its twenty-seventh session, could not conclude its consideration on the issue and will further continue its deliberations on the matter at its twenty-eighth session.

The SBSTA, at its twenty-eighth session, considered and adopted conclusions, but could not conclude its consideration on the issue.

The SBSTA, at its twenty-ninth, thirtieth and thirty-first sessions, could not conclude its consideration on the issue.

The decision of MOP-19 of Montreal Protocol (September 2009) was under the discussions of Parties at SBSTA 30, in which Montreal Protocol agreed on the adjustment to the Protocol on the accelerated phase-out of HCFCs. Under the agreed new schedule developing countries have to freeze their consumption and production of HCFCs in 2013 with the total phase-out of these substances by 2030. The baseline for each country will be set on the average level of 2009-2010. The phase-out actions in developing countries will be financially supported through the Multilateral Fund.

At its thirty-second session, the SBSTA agreed to continue its consideration of this matter at its thirty-fourth session and for the secretariat to prepare a technical paper for consideration at this session.

The new development is the proposal for the amendment to the Montreal Protocol by North American Parties ( USA, Canada and Mexico) and Small Island States. The amendment proposes the phase down of HFCs ( including HFC 23) under the Montreal Protocol. While the negotiations for this proposal are now officially going on (refer MOP 22 report of Montreal Protocol), number of issues such as funding to the developing countries for the phase down, legal issue of controlling the substance under the Montreal Protocol when it is already controlled by Kyoto Protocol etc are not yet clear.

The SBSTA, at its thirty-fourth session took note of the technical paper, but could not conclude its consideration of the issue.

Related decision, documents and the latest conclusion pertaining to this issue: