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National Ozone Unit

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National Ozone Unit (NOU) Activities

The National Ozone Unit (NOU), operating under the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME), is Namibia’s key implementation body for the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment, focusing on phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS) and climate-warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

In 2025, the NOU focused heavily on capacity building and stakeholder engagement, executing projects that range from donating essential technical equipment to Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and training Customs officials, to actively developing a national action plan for the end-of-life management of harmful refrigerants.

Capacity Building and Technical Skills

  • Enhance Technician Skills: Donated million worth of modern tools and equipment (in collaboration with CooPSA) to four VTCs (Windhoek, Gobabis, Valombola, and NIMT) to promote safe and environmentally friendly practices in the Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (RAC) sector.
  • Flammable Refrigerant Training: Conducted training for refrigeration technicians (with GIZ and Namibia) on the safe use of natural refrigerants like R290, ensuring the necessary expertise is available for new eco-friendly cooling technologies.
  • Customs and Clearing Agent Training: Trained Customs and Excise officers and clearing agents to accurately identify and handle illegal imports of controlled substances (HFCs and HCFCs) and prevent misclassification affecting national and international statistical data.

Policy, Inventory, and International Engagement

  • Stakeholder Dialogue (ODS/HFC Banks): Held a national meeting to discuss the management and destruction of ODS and HFC Inventory Banks (harmful substances found in old equipment), sharing findings from a detailed analysis to guide the development of a National Action Plan for safe disposal.
  • International Experience Sharing: Served as a panellist in Bangkok, Thailand, to share Namibia’s methodology and challenges in data collection for ODS/HFC banks and inventories.
  • Industry Inspection and Engagement: Conducted an inspection and information-sharing trip to the fishing sector in Walvis Bay to discuss policy and regulatory compliance with industry players.
  • Policy & Regulatory Measures: Actively involved in the Climate and Ozone Protection Alliance (COPA) to promote sustainable solutions for End-of-Life Management of air conditioning units.

Awareness and Future Activities

  • Public Awareness: Served as Key Note Speaker to highlight the importance of World Refrigeration Day (June 26) and its role in daily life.
  • Planned Activities (Remainder of 2025): The NOU is scheduled to commemorate World Ozone Day (September 16) and conduct further Customs training at Trans Kalahari and Katima Mulilo border posts, alongside additional RAC Technician Training in Ongwediva.