The F-Gas Register, one of the original certifying bodies established following the introduction of EU and UK F-Gas Regulations, confirmed the registration after verifying that ACES engineers hold UK-approved qualifications that meet DEFRA requirements. As with all registered entities, the centre will be subject to ongoing compliance obligations covering stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump activities.

Graeme Fox, Director of Schemes at The F-Gas Register, said the organisation’s in-house regulatory and RACHP expertise positioned it well to support ACES through the process. He noted his previous work with UNEP on international training standards and highlighted the scale of effort behind the development of the Kigali training centre.

ACES Technical Director Basile Seburikoko described the certification as an important milestone for the organisation, confirming that its systems, equipment and technical practices meet recognised international benchmarks. He said the registration strengthens ACES’ ability to support Rwanda’s transition to climate-friendly cooling technologies and to work closely with industry, training bodies and government stakeholders to raise standards across the sector.

ACES was established with support from DEFRA, the Government of Rwanda, UNEP and UK academic partners led by the University of Birmingham. The centre focusses on developing sustainable, resilient and equitable cooling and cold-chain systems, with an emphasis on knowledge creation and skills development to support cold-chain expansion across Africa.