Training, certification and skills for a safe transition towards alternative refrigerants were the key topics at the AREA forum “The Future of RAC Training and Certification in the EU”, held at Chillventa 2026. The event provided a practical overview of the implementation of the F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573 and of the different stages reached by European countries in introducing the new certification schemes.
The discussion brought together Stepan Stojanov, AREA Vice President, Thanos Biris, AREA Treasurer, Marco Buoni, AREA Past President with Mandate for International Affairs, Jörg Peters from Bundesfachschule Kälte-Klima-Technik, and Said El Harch, General Secretary of U-3ARC, with Marco Buoni acting as moderator.
Stojanov highlighted the scale of the challenge: for the first time, the new system extends certification requirements to HFOs and alternative refrigerants such as hydrocarbons, CO₂ and ammonia. Around 375,000 technicians are currently certified across Europe, while national systems are at very different stages of implementation. Setting up training and examination schemes for ammonia is proving particularly complex, although some countries already have fully operational certification systems.
Biris stressed the importance of not waiting for regulatory deadlines: high pressure, flammability and toxicity require specific skills not only for installation, but also for maintenance, refrigerant recovery and end-of-life management. “Training saves lives” was one of the key messages of his presentation.
Buoni then presented the experience of REAL Alternatives, the international training programme on alternative refrigerants that combines e-learning, practical activities and certification, also highlighting the growing importance of risk assessment, dedicated equipment and trainer preparation.
The German model presented by Peters showed how propane and CO₂ have already been integrated for several years into vocational training for apprentices, through a system combining on-the-job experience, vocational education and practical training.
The discussion finally broadened to Africa with Said El Harch, who underlined the need to develop systems capable of “adapting, rather than simply adopting” European models. The common objective remains the one highlighted throughout the forum: to build genuinely verifiable competence, capable of ensuring safety, quality of work and market confidence throughout the transition towards new RACHP technologies.
Really great job, thx so much for Yr precious support to our ACR industry.