HORIZON INTERNATIONAL SOLUTIONS SITE

Location:

Mexico

Problem Overview:

Depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer due to CFC emissions

Background:

The projects under this activity are based on the Montreal Protocol on the Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer (1987) which initiated global co-operation for protection of the stratospheric ozone layer. Over 150 countries are Parties to this agreement. Mexico is one of the over 60 countries, where UNDP implements projects under the Montreal Protocol.

The main objectives were:

1. To eliminate about 427 t/y of CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) used both as refrigerants and blowing agents in the manufacture of domestic refrigerators and compressors, at three enterprises (Industrias Astral SA, Ensambladora de Refrigeradores SA and Consorcio Manufacturo SA), which belong to the MABE group, by converting to ozone-friendly technology.

2. To eliminate about 456 t/y of CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) used both as refrigerants and blowing agents in the manufacture of domestic refrigerators and compressors, at three enterprises (Estufas y Refrigeradores Nacionales SA and Supermatic SA and Fabricacion de Compresores SA), which belong to the VITRO group, by converting to ozone-friendly technology.

These activities were covered by six project proposals approved by the Executive committee of the Multilateral Fund for the Montreal Protocol in its meeting in December 1994.

Partners:

UNDP, UNOPS, Government of Mexico (Ozone Protection Unit - SEDESOL, National Insititute of Ecology- INE) and the recipient enterprises.

Activities:

The projects broadly involved implementation of the following activities:

Changes (retrofitting/replacement) to the existing production lines for the both the foaming and refrigerant operations, to enable usage of the substitute technology (with low/zero ozone depleting potential). This required preparing equipment specifications, procurement, installation and commissioning of the new/retrofitted equipment. In case of the MABE group, the enterprises had initiated implementation of some activities. UNOPS carried out elaborate technical appraisals and reviews to establish eligible funding and subsequently effected reimbursements to the MABE group enterprises, in accordance with UNDP/UNOPS rules. For the VITRO group enterprises, UNOPS fully carried out procurement and provided technical assistance, following the Montreal Protocol regime.

Prototype testing and extensive pre-production reliability tests and trials with the new technology with assistance from chemical and equipment suppliers and UNDP/UNOPS technical experts.

Re-orientation and training of the production staff, for using the new technology effectively and safely.

Upon completion of equipment installation, test trials, local works and site preparation, in accordance with the respective project documents, which was certified by UNDP/UNOPS experts, the projects were declared operationally completed through issuance of individual Certificates of Completion.

Upon achievement of the project objectives of eliminating CFCs, the projects were formally handed over through individual Handover Protocols and the disbursement of balance incremental operating costs and other expenses to the enterprises in accordance with Montreal Protocol rules and the approved project document was effected.

Constraining Factors:

The earlier CFC based technology is less expensive in terms of operational costs. The two industrial groups (MABE and VITRO) account for almost 100% of the consumption of CFCs in this sector in Mexico and are intense competitors with each other. As a result, there was a reluctance on part of the enterprises to completely switch over their production to the new technology, upon completion of the works.

The successful completion of these projects:

Signified the elimination of almost the entire CFC consumption in this sector in Mexico (aboout 882 t/y), which was by far the most substantial contribution to Mexico’s obligations under the Montreal Protocol.

Established the technical and commercial viability of the selected ozone-friendly technology for this industrial sector in Mexico and affirmed the spearheading role of UNDP/UNOPS in the execution of industrial projects of such complexity and magnitude.

Submitted by:

Contact: Jacques Van Engel
Montreal Protocol
SEED
UNDP, NY.
Tel: (212) 906-5782
email:jvanenge@ff091.undp.org

 Information Date: 1998-01-01
Information Source: United Nations Development Programme