PCB Fair: Tools and guidance to support parties achieving the 2025 and 2028 Targets on PCB

Delegates gathered for the final events of the PCB Fair on Friday evening. An expert panel shared insights into potential tools and guidance to support parties working to eliminate the use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in equipment by 2025 and to ensure the environmentally sound waste management of liquids containing PCBs and PCB-contaminated equipment by 2028. 

One panelist encouraged stakeholders to assess the cost-efficiency of continuing to use pre-1990s transformers, emphasizing that while new transformers have higher up-front costs, old transformers have much higher running costs over time due to energy loss. She cited data from Mozambique indicating that investment of USD 6 million by 2025 to replace all PCB transformers would save over USD 11.3 million, effectively paying for itself by 2032. She further explained that eliminating PCBs from the electricity of 12 southern African nations would require an investment of USD 34 million; this could be paid back in under six years and would prevent the equivalent of 27.3 metric tons of CO2 emissions each year.

Marijana Todorovic, BRS Secretariat, introduced the updated draft strategy to meet the 2025 and 2028 goals (UNEP/POPS/COP.11/INF/13), which includes actions required to meet the targets, strategic guidance to parties, and possible useful actions at the regional and global levels, as well as a template parties can use to develop national strategies for PCB elimination. She also outlined a new report on further options for sustainable financing for PCB elimination (UNEP/POPS/COP.11/INF/30), which calls for mainstreaming PCB elimination in development planning, promoting effective industry involvement, and mobilizing dedicated external financing.

Hande Yükseler, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, outlined an environmental technology transfer programme to support depollution activities in the Mediterranean Sea region. She highlighted work to provide investment grants for safe removal and disposal of equipment contaminated with persistent organic pollutants, and noted PCB-specific project in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Tunisia, and Türkiye.

Closing of the PCB Fair

In closing remarks, Basel, Rotterdam and Stockholm Conventions (BRS) Executive Secretary Rolph Payet lauded the successes of those countries that have phased out PCBs, saying this shows the goal can be achieved. Acknowledging the “serious needs” for technical and financial assistance, he highlighted ongoing work to invest in technical assistance and mobilize resources. He encouraged parties to be ready, and to encourage the engagement of the private sector. He concluded that “together we can make a difference and get rid of the toxic chemicals that are polluting our planet.”