Epta has opened two CO2 training centers in the United States to foster the transition to natural refrigerants. The Dale Sizemore Training Center in Columbus, Georgia, began operations in April 2023, followed by the West Coast Training Center in Orange, California, which opened in August 2023. These centers aim to enhance professionals' skills in handling CO2 transcritical systems, responding to growing demand driven by eco-friendly regulations.
Key instructors at Kysor Warren Epta US include Ignacio Chaparro and Dale Sizemore. Chaparro educates participants on CO2 systems' functionality, while Sizemore delivers practical training on installation and maintenance. Their combined expertise supports a life-long learning approach necessary for the industry's technological advancements and regulatory changes.
Epta reports that its Kysor Warren Epta US subsidiary has launched most courses for the two training centers and plans to soon finalize a full course catalog. The program is structured into two main modules: design and configuration, and installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of CO2 systems. Courses, offered in partnership with Southern Californian Edison (SCE) and the North American Sustainable Refrigeration Council (NASRC), are free for Epta staff and available for external technicians for a fee, with the possibility of earning 2.5 training credits per unit.
“The decision by Epta to open a training hub in California aims to enhance the eco-sustainability approach for which the West Coast state stands out in the American landscape, as demonstrated by its adherence to the U.S. Climate Alliance since 2017 and its goal to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement” Ignacio Chaparro, Kysor Warren who concludes, “Moreover, since January 1, 2022, California not only participates in the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Significant New Alternatives Policy (SNAP) program, aimed at promoting the replacement of ozone-depleting substances, including HCFCs, with environmentally friendly alternatives, but also applies additional restrictions that limit the GWP of refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment with capacities exceeding 50 pounds. This trend underscores Epta's value not only as a technology partner, thanks to the most innovative transcritical CO2 solutions under the Kysor Warren brand, but also as a training hub that confirms its role as a Green Transition Enabler for the entire industry”.
Epta Bets on the Potential of Made in USA Refrigeration
The potential for "Made in USA" refrigeration is significant, with a NASRC market study revealing substantial growth prospects. Currently, 7% of retail outlets utilize CO2 refrigeration, a figure projected to more than triple by 2028. While this growth includes new store openings, a major portion will result from replacing existing systems, beginning in 2025. This trend underscores the industry's move towards sustainable refrigeration, aligning with Epta's investment in American training initiatives and market expansion.
