AREA will hold a forum on the future of refrigeration, air-conditioning and heat pump training and certification in the EU at Chillventa 2026 on 14 October. The session will focus on implementation of the new F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 and the skills required for technicians and engineers working with alternative refrigerants.
The one-hour seminar will cover capacity building, safety and certification, including flammable refrigerants and safe working practices. AREA will also address the need for robust training, assessment and certification schemes and discuss how European countries can achieve a consistent, high-level skills upgrade.
Another focus will be challenges associated with alternative and natural refrigerants, including flammability, toxicity and high-pressure applications. The programme will examine safety, reliability, energy efficiency and environmental performance throughout the equipment lifecycle, as well as the availability of suitable equipment, lower-GWP refrigerant alternatives and adequately trained personnel.
The programme includes presentations on F-Gas certification, national implementation, training for alternative refrigerants, available European schemes and the use of natural and flammable refrigerants in education. Speakers include AREA President Stepan Stojanov, Vice President Thanos Biris, AREA board member Marco Buoni, Jörg Peters of VDKF – Bundesfachschule Kälte-Klima-Technik and U-3ARC Vice President Said El Harch.
“Chillventa is a key meeting point for our industry, bringing together expertise, innovation, and practical solutions at a time of profound technological and regulatory change,” said Stojanov. “For AREA and its members, it is an important opportunity to exchange knowledge and highlight the essential role of properly trained and certified contractors in delivering safe, efficient, and sustainable cooling, air-conditioning, and heat pump solutions.”
