From 11 to 15 May 2026, participants from across Europe gathered in Killybegs, Ireland, for a new REAL Alternatives Train the Trainer (TOT) session hosted by ECAC, a one of the most renowned European training provider and the Irish National Lead, and co-organised with ATF, the project management leader. The event brought together trainers and experts for an intensive week dedicated to alternative refrigerants, practical training methodologies, and the future development of skills within the HVACR sector.
During the week, participants attended both theoretical and practical sessions covering flammable refrigerants, carbon dioxide, and particularly ammonia, with a strong focus on hands-on, safety, competence, and harmonised training approaches across Europe. Under the leadership of John Murphy, master trainer from ECAC, the TOT provided an important opportunity for trainers to exchange views and experiences. Particular attention was given to the expansion of training content related to ammonia systems, and participants also had the opportunity to visit a live ammonia plant operated by Gallagher Brothers, as well as a fishery vessel.
The activities in Ireland also reflected the growing importance of high-quality technical training in light of the ongoing implementation of the new European F-gas framework and certification requirements for technicians handling alternative refrigerants. REAL Alternatives continues to support this transition through multilingual e-learning materials, practical assessments, and internationally recognised certification pathways.
Alongside the training activities, on 13 May 2026, REAL Alternatives organised an online Stakeholder Meeting bringing together National Leads and stakeholders from across Europe. The meeting focused on the latest developments within the consortium, ongoing cooperation activities, future challenges, and collaboration with governments that have adopted the REAL Alternatives certification scheme to support the implementation of EU Regulation 2024/2215.
Both the TOT in Ireland and the online Stakeholder Meeting once again demonstrated the strong commitment of the REAL Alternatives partnership to promoting high-quality, accessible, and harmonised training across Europe. Through continuous collaboration, knowledge sharing, and technical development, the consortium continues to support the safe and sustainable transition towards low-GWP refrigerants throughout the HVACR sector.
