Stakeholders in Nigeria’s energy sector have said the implementation and enforcement of the new Minimum Energy Performance Standards(MEPS) for air conditioners would bring economic and environmental benefits to the country.
They spoke on Tuesday in Abuja at the workshop to showcase the project achievements and present the content of the approved air conditioners MEPS.
Speaking,Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director General of Energy Commission of Nigeria(ECN), said the new MEPS would lead to energy savings for individuals and nation, as it would lead to reduction in energy demand and increased energy access.
He emphasized the need for stakeholders to create awareness about the approval of new MEPS.
According to him, “There is the need to communicate the success made in this Project to the Nigerian public, specifically creating awareness on the new air conditioner energy standards, as stakeholders in Nigeria, especially critical stakeholders like the national regulatory bodies, manufacturers and importers of air conditioners need to be aware about the standards.”
The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) in partnership with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is implementing the project entitled “Scaling up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria’s National Determined Contribution Revision”, which is supported financially by the Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC).
The ECN has been implementing the Project since 2022, with the objective to accelerate the use of energy efficient air conditioners with climate friendly refrigerants used in residential, commercial and public buildings aligning with Nigeria’s climate targets in the Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC).
Abdullahi thanked the Clean Cooling Collaborative for providing financial support for the project, as well as the United Nations Environment Programme for providing technical assistance to the Project.
“I want to express my gratitude to the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) for the support given to the Project Team in the review of the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for air conditioners (AC) under this Project as this was one of the major deliverables of the Project,” he added.
Dr. Shehu Mustafa, Acting Director of Energy Transition and Linkages, ECN, explained that the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Federal Ministry of Environment, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), have been working diligently to ensure the success of the project.
He said:”Our collective efforts is aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and promoting climate-friendly cooling solutions, thereby contributing significantly to Nigeria’s climate goals and sustainable energy access.”
He tasked key stakeholders drawn from public and private sectors to make useful recommendations that would shape the future of air conditioning and refrigerating standards in Nigeria, driving advancements in energy efficiency, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and sustainable economic growth.
“As we commence, the Stakeholders Workshop, I urge you to approach your deliberations with the utmost diligence, expertise, and collaborative inputs.
“Your recommendations will not only influence national standards but also contribute to our global commitment to reduce Greenhouse Gases and address climate change,” he said.
Representative of UNEP, Jose Carba Josa, commended the approval of the new minimum energy performance standards for Nigeria.
Josa said that UNEP together with other relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs) has worked tirelessly to ensure that the MEPS see the light of the day.
According to him, energy is key to industrial growth, adding that the new MEPS would help to create jobs and reduce insecurity in the country.
