In June 2025, Brazil inaugurated its first training laboratory dedicated to the safe and efficient use of natural refrigerants CO₂ and R-290. Located at the FAPRO-ETP Technical School in Curitiba (Paraná), the facility replicates a mini-supermarket environment and is part of the Brazilian HCFC Phase-out Management Programme (HPMP).
The initiative is coordinated by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MMA/NOU) and implemented by GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) under the HPMP. The laboratory features a cascade refrigeration system and supports a new course titled “Training for the Safe and Efficient Use of CO₂ and R-290 in Commercial Refrigeration Systems.” The course is free of charge.
A preparatory “Training of Trainers Workshop” was held from June 10 to 14 with eight instructors from FAPRO-ETP. Led by Dr. Gutenberg da Silva Pereira, the sessions combined theoretical lessons and practical training based on international safety standards. Industry experts from Eletrofrio, Bitzer, and Carel participated, and attendees visited a local supermarket for a technical tour.
The course includes 40 hours of in-person instruction, with 70% of the content being hands-on training in the new lab. Materials were developed with support from international experts. The first sessions begin in July 2025, and registration is open to technicians and engineers in the commercial refrigeration sector, especially those working in supermarkets.
The program aims to train at least 150 professionals by December. Additional training labs are planned, including one at SENAI-RJ in Rio de Janeiro later this year, and two more in other regions in the coming years.
This effort supports Brazil’s HCFC phase-out strategy and HFC reduction goals, in line with the Montreal Protocol and its Kigali Amendment.