In 2011, Kyrgyzstan stood at a critical crossroads. With economic growth accelerating, demand for cooling systems was surging, and with it, the country’s reliance on hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)—ozone-depleting substances used in refrigeration and air-conditioning. Projections indicated that without intervention, HCFC consumption could increase by 40 percent within five years.
Recognizing the urgent need for action, Kyrgyzstan took a decisive step that year when it submitted a Hydrochlorofluorocarbon Phase-Out Management Plan (HPMP) for approval at the 63rd meeting of the Executive Committee of the Multilateral Fund. The plan set out a two-stage strategy aimed at limiting future consumption, introducing alternative technologies, and ensuring compliance with international commitments.
Laying the foundation: Stage I of the HCFC phase-out
While not a domestic producer of HCFCs, Kyrgyzstan imported the substances—in particular, HCFC-22—for servicing commercial and industrial equipment, air-conditioning systems, and refrigerated trucks. The first stage of the HPMP focused on establishing regulatory controls to manage HCFC imports and providing the technical capacity needed to support their eventual phase-out. A quota system was introduced to regulate both bulk HCFC substances and pre-filled refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) equipment entering the country. In addition, training was provided for customs and border officers to monitor and control HCFC trade.
RAC technicians received training in proper servicing practices and refrigerant management, and refrigerant recovery equipment and service tools were distributed to training centers and vocational schools to support continued capacity-building.
By 2015, these efforts led to a significant reduction in HCFC consumption, exceeding the country’s initial commitment far surpassing the target of a 10 percent reduction required under the Montreal Protocol.
Accelerating the transition: Stage II of the HCFC phase-out
Building on this early success, Kyrgyzstan embarked on the second phase of the HPMP in 2015, with an ambitious plan for accelerated phase-out. The government committed to reducing HCFC consumption by 35 percent in 2016, 67.5 percent in 2018, and 97.5 percent in 2020, leaving only a limited servicing tail of 2.5 percent per year until 2025 for the maintenance of existing equipment.
During this phase, efforts focused on expanding the regulatory framework, introducing tighter restrictions on HCFC imports, and banning the use of specific HCFC substances, including HCFC-141b and HCFC-142b. The phase-out strategy also included the roll-out of an end-user incentive program to support businesses transitioning to R-290-based refrigeration.
Kyrgyzstan also continued strengthening technical expertise with training in the safe handling of flammable and toxic refrigerants such as ammonia and CO₂.
As a result, by 2020, Kyrgyzstan had completely eliminated HCFC consumption, successfully phasing out 66.6 metric tonnes (4.1 ODP tonnes) at an accelerated pace, well ahead of the 2030 deadline set by the Montreal Protocol.
A future focused on energy efficiency
With the phase-out successfully completed, Kyrgyzstan turned its attention to enhancing energy efficiency in the refrigeration, air-conditioning, and heat pump (RACHP) sector. In 2023, the government launched a new initiative aimed at ensuring that the transition away from HCFCs also contributed to broader climate mitigation and sustainable energy use.
A case study in commitment and implementation
Kyrgyzstan’s successful and accelerated phase-out of HCFCs demonstrates how structured policy interventions, strong regulatory frameworks, and investment in technical capacity can drive significant environmental progress. By meeting its commitments well ahead of schedule—and going beyond what was required—the country has set a strong example of how proactive action can yield lasting benefits.