In 2010, as part of its hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) phase-out management plan (HPMP), the Government of the Maldives set an ambitious goal to phase out HCFCs by 2020, ten years in advance of the Montreal Protocol target, with a small allowance for a servicing tail until 2025. Without intervention, HCFC consumption in the Maldives was projected to grow by 21 per cent annually. As small islands do, the Maldives imported all its HCFCs, primarily HCFC-22, which were used in servicing equipment in the cold chain sector mainly fisheries and food processing, in the tourism sector which is very important for the country’s growth, in the industrial and domestic refrigeration and air-conditioning (RAC) sector.
An example to follow
To achieve its ambitious plan, the Maldives developed a strategy, which considered the climate benefits of the phase-out in addition to the benefits for the ozone layer, and thus, included developing an energy efficiency standards and labelling programme to promote both benefits. This comprehensive approach was a model for low-volume consuming countries. The Government committed to take a lead role in providing counterpart funding for the elements of the HPMP which promoted climate benefits.
Achievements surpassed commitments
By 2015, the Maldives had reduced its HCFC consumption to 2.45 ODP tonnes, surpassing the required 10 per cent reduction target of the Montreal Protocol, and instead achieving a 46.7 per cent reduction from its baseline. The country's HCFC consumption continued to decline, and by 2020, it had achieved a 98 per cent reduction, far exceeding the 35 per cent reduction target of the Montreal Protocol and its accelerated goal of a 97.5 per cent reduction from the baseline. This reduction was sustained in subsequent years, and by 2023, the Maldives had completely phased out HCFCs.
HCFCs and “Hakathari”
The Government established minimum energy efficiency performance standards (MEPS) and implemented a voluntary energy efficiency labelling programme, called Hakathari – from the combination of words “hakatha”, which means energy, and “thari”, which means star, in the Dhivehi language. This programme covers appliances and certain equipment, including air conditioners and domestic refrigerators, providing information on the refrigerant's ozone depleting potential (ODP) and global warming potential (GWP), allowing consumers to better understand the climate impact of their purchasing choices. In 2022, the Maldives was the first country to seize the opportunity presented by a funding window approved by the Executive Committee at its 89th meeting to enhance energy efficiency while phasing-out HCFCs. Its HPMP had already been completed, so under this project the country enhanced the Hakathari programme to sustain HCFC phase-out, promoted energy-efficient and low-GWP alternatives in RAC equipment, strengthened its MEPS, improved coordination and collaboration between stakeholders. The Maldives also carried out outreach and awareness raising activities related to the labelling programme focusing on increasing the demand for air conditioners and refrigerators operating with low- or zero-GWP refrigerants among all labelled energy-efficient products.
A successful story
The success of Maldives' HCFC phase-out was based on the vision that the country had to link the restoration of the ozone layer with climate goals, on the commitment at the highest-levels of Government and on weaving together activities from establishing policies and regulations, to providing technical assistance to technicians and end users, to conducting a pilot equipment replacement programme and a reclamation programme for HCFCs, and to raising awareness among stakeholders about the benefits of alternatives.
The Maldives' journey is an excellent example of commitment and determination. The country's proactive approach, strategic planning, and sustained efforts to contribute to the protection of the ozone layer and to climate change mitigation allowed for the completion of a fruitful and sustainable project.