Real Alternatives held a Train the Trainer session from 11 to 15 May 2026 in Killybegs, Ireland, bringing together participants from across Europe for training on alternative refrigerants and HVACR skills development.
The session was hosted by ECAC, described as the Irish National Lead and a European training provider, and co-organised with ATF, the project management leader. Trainers and experts attended theoretical and practical sessions covering flammable refrigerants, carbon dioxide and ammonia.
The programme focused on hands-on work, safety, competence and harmonised training approaches across Europe. John Murphy, master trainer from ECAC, led the TOT, which also included exchange of views and experiences among trainers.
The training gave particular attention to expanding content related to ammonia systems. Participants visited a live ammonia plant operated by Gallagher Bros. LTD and also took an informative trip on a fishery vessel.
Real Alternatives said the activities reflected the growing importance of technical training as the new European F-gas framework and certification requirements for technicians handling alternative refrigerants are implemented. The initiative supports this work through multilingual e-learning materials, practical assessments and internationally recognised certification pathways.
On 13 May 2026, Real Alternatives also organised an online Stakeholder Meeting with National Leads and stakeholders from across Europe. The meeting covered consortium developments, cooperation activities, future challenges and collaboration with governments that have adopted the Real Alternatives certification scheme to support implementation of EU Regulation 2024/2215.
