Refrigeration for a Sustainable Future: An Interview with the President of ICR 2023

We, refindustry.com, present an exclusive interview with Gérald Cavalier , the 2023 ICR President and the President of the French Association of Refrigeration,  at the International Congress of Refrigeration 2023 in Paris.

Refrigeration industry: Could you please highlight what makes the Congress of Refrigeration such an interesting and important event?

Gérald Cavalier: Certainly. The Congress of Refrigeration is a global gathering that occurs every four years, bringing together experts from both research and industry in the field of refrigeration. This key point sets the congress apart, as it covers all applications of refrigeration. Over the span of five days, about 1000 participants are exchanging knoweledge and expirience in over 700 presentations, discussing topics ranging from cryogenics to heat pumps, covering a wide range of temperatures. 

The applications of refrigeration are vast, spanning from food and pharmacy to communication and energy. It's essential to note that our modern society relies heavily on refrigeration for essentials like food, transportation, and energy. However, refrigeration is also a significant energy consumer and contributor to global warming, accounting for around 20% of electricity consumption and approximately 8% of global warming effects. The congress aims to address these challenges, focusing on reducing energy consumption and minimizing the environmental impact of refrigeration through innovative solutions and improved efficiency.

RI: How does the International Congress of Refrigeration differ from other similar events worldwide?

Gérald Cavalier: One of the main distinctions lies in the comprehensive scope of the congress. Unlike many other events that focus on specific sectors or topics, the International Congress of Refrigeration covers all aspects of refrigeration. This inclusivity fosters cross-disciplinary exchanges that are often not possible in more specialized conferences. 

For instance, while other events might have conferences dedicated to certain technologies or applications, our congress brings together experts from diverse fields, such as CO2 and ammonia refrigeration, heat pumps, transport, and more. By breaking down these barriers and encouraging collaboration across various fields, the congress becomes a hub for innovative ideas and holistic discussions.

RI: How do you invite speakers from around the world to participate in the congress? What benefits do they gain from being a part of it?

Gérald Cavalie: Inviting speakers from across the globe involves reaching out to experts who have made significant contributions to the field of refrigeration. The benefits for speakers are manifold. Firstly, they get the opportunity to share their research, findings, and insights with an engaged and diverse audience. This interaction leads to valuable discussions and exchange of ideas with fellow participants. 

Moreover, speakers receive feedback that can help enhance their work and open doors to potential collaborations and new projects. The congress aims to serve as a catalyst for generating novel ideas, connections, and partnerships, ultimately fostering innovation and advancement within the field of refrigeration.

RI: What role does the congress play in fostering collaboration and generating new ideas among participants?

Gérald Cavalier: The congress serves as a platform where participants not only share their current work but also engage in discussions that spark new ideas and collaborations. These interactions occur not just during the event, but also post-congress, as ideas and discussions often lead to the initiation of new projects and collaborations. The congress aims to be a source of inspiration, pushing participants to think beyond their current scope and explore innovative solutions that can address the challenges faced by the refrigeration industry.

RI: How do speakers contribute to the goals of the congress, and what impact does their participation have on the industry?

Gérald Cavalier: Speakers play a pivotal role in the congress by presenting their cutting-edge research and insights. This contributes to the overall knowledge exchange and helps shape the direction of the industry. Their contributions lead to informed discussions, debates, and collaborative efforts that drive innovation and progress in the field of refrigeration. The impact of their participation extends beyond the congress itself, as the ideas and collaborations initiated during the event continue to influence the industry's trajectory, leading to new technologies, improved efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.

RI: Thank you for shedding light on the significance of the International Congress of Refrigeration and the role of speakers in driving innovation and collaboration within the industry.

Gérald Cavalier: You're welcome. It's been a pleasure discussing the congress and its impact. Collaboration and knowledge exchange are key drivers of progress in refrigeration technology, and the congress plays a vital role in facilitating these efforts.

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Read more:

Highlights from the 26th International Congress of Refrigeration 2023

See pictures from the event.

Read the interview with Didier Coulomb, General Director of International Institute of Refrigeration