Sustainable Refrigeration: CO₂ Container Becomes a Training Tool in South Africa

Bringing practical experience into the classroom to accelerate the adoption of natural refrigerants: a new training resource focused on low-impact refrigeration technology has been introduced in Cape Town, South Africa. The German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), as part of a project carried out in collaboration with South African authorities, has supplied the West Coast TVET College with a CO₂-refrigerated container developed by Carrier Transicold. The facility will support training activities for students and refrigeration professionals, according to Natural Refrigerants.

At the heart of the initiative is the NaturaLine Container system, which enables trainees to explore R744 technology under different operating conditions. With an ambient temperature of 38°C, the unit delivers a cooling capacity of 3.6 kW at an operating temperature of -40°C, rising to 9.4 kW at 2°C.

The project goes beyond carbon dioxide technology. The training programme also includes modules on propane and the safety procedures required for handling flammable refrigerants. The aim is to equip refrigeration professionals with practical skills while preparing a new generation of technicians for a market increasingly focused on alternatives to conventional refrigerants.

Discussions on the future of refrigeration are also part of a calendar of events dedicated to innovation and industry development. Topics including industrial and commercial refrigeration, cold-chain logistics, freezing and cryogenics will also be explored at REFRIGERA, the international event dedicated to the sector, taking place at BolognaFiere from 10 to 12 November 2027.

For further information: www.refrigera.show