National Statement by the Republic of Singapore
at the28THMeeting of the Parties to the
Montreal Protocol
13 – 14 October 2016
Kigali, Rwanda
President, Excellencies, Distinguished delegates,
Let me start by expressingSingapore’s appreciation for the warmhospitality extended to us by the Government of Rwanda, and to the Ozone Secretariat for organising this meeting.
2Madam President, it is evident from the meetings in Kigali that significant progress has been made in the discussions on the management of HFCs especially on baseline, freeze date and reduction steps. This reflects our collective will to work to adopt a HFC phase-down amendment in 2016 pursuant to the Dubai Pathway.
3As a dense urban city-state, Singapore places great importance in ensuring environmental sustainability and public safety in our policiesand measures. As Party to the Montreal Protocol, Singaporealso stands ready to be part of global effortsin protecting ourshared environment. In this context, we support the inclusion of HFCs as a controlled substance under the Montreal Protocol.
4Nonetheless, it is important to balance ambition with practicality. Alternatives to HFCs must be both technically-viable and commercially-available for any phase-down to commence.
5In this regard, we encourage allto continue workingtogether to assuage concerns, resolve challenges and promote convergence on the management of HFCs. Apossible way to help promote convergence is to ensure a conclusive review of the alternatives to HFCsthat can be safely and efficientlyoperationalised underdifferent circumstancessuch as high ambient temperatures and a dense city environment. These are alsothe challenges faced by many countries, especially in their cities. Madam President, the word “flexibility” has been used time and again by many colleagues hereto describe the way forward. Overall, it will be good for Parties to agree through a MOPdecision that the phase down of HFCs will be addressed with the necessary flexibility accorded.
6Notwithstandingthe challenges associated with the presentissue of alternatives, Singapore’smarket players have beenmonitoring the situation and are willing to introduceviable, low or non-GWP alternatives whenever possible or available. Whileweuphold high public safety standards, our authorities also strive toaccordflexibilitytoindustries as they move towards developingmore climate-friendly appliances. For instance, our national authority on fire safety has allowed industries to use hydrocarbons as an alternative in domestic and stand-alone commercial refrigerators of a maximum charge load of 150 grams. We have also approved the use of HFC-32, which has lower GWP,in single- and multi-split air-conditioners. Going forward, wewill continue torefine our current regulations to take into consideration the latest available technologies and developments shared on the international front.
7Madam President, let me conclude by saying thatSingapore looks forward to a near future when there will be alternativesto HFCs that are not only viable and climate-friendly, but alsowell-suited to the various needs and circumstances of all Parties.
8Thank you.