As the heat pump sector increasingly shifts towards natural refrigerants, ensuring that technicians and installers are equipped with the right safety skills becomes essential. Under the framework of the SKILLSAFE EU project, a dedicated training session was recently organised in Athens for members of the Association of Certified Refrigeration Engineers (HUFGAS), focusing on the safe handling of residential heat pumps using highly flammable refrigerants such as R290 (propane). The session

The Real Alternatives project and SKILLSAFE EU are pleased to announce the launch of a strategic collaboration aimed at enhancing safety training for professionals working with flammable refrigerants, with a particular focus on R290 heat pump systems. This joint initiative reflects a shared commitment to supporting the safe and sustainable transition towards low-GWP refrigerants across Europe, by strengthening skills, improving accessibility to training, and promoting harmonised standards. Building on an

We are pleased to share that the SKILLSAFE-EU project has been featured in EU Research magazine, highlighting our work on developing our guidelines for the safe handling of R290 heat pumps. The article presents how the project contributes to improving installer skills, enhancing safety, and supporting the transition towards natural refrigerants in the heating and cooling sector. It also emphasises the importance of clear guidelines to build consumer confidence and

The SKILLSAFE EU project has successfully launched its first pilot trainings, marking an important step in strengthening safety knowledge and skills for professionals working with R290 heat pump systems across Europe. The first SKILLSAFE EU pilot training took place at LG Electronics Benelux in Amstelveen, hosted by LG Electronics. The session brought together trainers from France, Greece, the Czech Republic, Belgium, and the Netherlands, creating a valuable opportunity for exchange

In January 2026 the third number of SKILLSAFE EU  bi-annual newsletter was sent out! This second number serves to collect all the activities we have done in the last 6 months of the project, from the starting of the training programmes, the continuity of the work done together with the selected Join Industry Expert Group, to the various international events in which we have participated to present them. Download it