The Nigerian government has introduced the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners, a move expected to deliver significant economic and environmental benefits. The Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, announced this during a stakeholders’ workshop in Abuja, organized by the ECN in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), and the Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC).
Dr. Abdullahi explained that the MEPS for air conditioners would lead to substantial energy savings, reduced energy demand, and improved electricity access nationwide. He highlighted that this initiative is part of an ongoing project aimed at scaling up energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling solutions in line with Nigeria’s climate change targets.
Since 2022, the ECN has been implementing a project titled Scaling up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) Revision. This project focuses on promoting energy-efficient air conditioners with climate-friendly refrigerants across residential, commercial, and public buildings. Dr. Abdullahi stressed that public awareness is crucial for the successful implementation of the new standards, urging manufacturers, importers, and regulatory bodies to comply with the updated energy efficiency requirements.
He also acknowledged the support from SON, the National Ozone Office of the Federal Ministry of Environment, UNEP, and CCC, noting that their financial and technical assistance has been instrumental. He called on all stakeholders to collaborate effectively to transform Nigeria’s energy sector.
The Director-General of SON, Okeke Ifeanyi, represented by the Group Head of Electrical Electronics, Lawal Ismaila, emphasized SON’s role in developing and updating energy performance standards for air conditioners. He highlighted the importance of aligning Nigeria’s standards with international best practices to ensure the country remains a leader in energy efficiency advancements.
Speaking on behalf of UNEP, climate mitigation expert Jose Carbajosa revealed that the new standards are projected to save Nigeria about 11.5 terawatt-hours (TWh) of energy annually by 2040. He described this achievement as a game-changer for Africa, positioning Nigeria as a regional leader in energy-efficient cooling solutions. Carbajosa also noted that these standards would help lower electricity costs for consumers and contribute significantly to achieving Nigeria’s climate targets sustainably and cost-effectively.
The MEPS are expected to deliver multiple benefits:
– Energy Savings: Encouraging the adoption of energy-efficient air conditioners to reduce national electricity consumption.
– Environmental Impact: Promoting the use of ozone-friendly refrigerants to minimize ecological damage and support Nigeria’s climate obligations.
– Economic Growth: Generating job opportunities in the energy sector and reducing energy bills for both consumers and businesses.
Stakeholders at the workshop emphasized that effective implementation of the MEPS will require strong collaboration among government agencies, manufacturers, and consumers. Public awareness campaigns were also deemed essential to educate Nigerians on the benefits of energy-efficient cooling solutions. Additionally, robust enforcement mechanisms must be established to ensure that only compliant air conditioners are sold in the market.
The approval of the MEPS for air conditioners marks a major milestone in Nigeria’s energy efficiency efforts. With proper execution, these standards are expected to drive sustainable economic growth, promote efficient energy use, and position Nigeria as a leader in climate-friendly cooling solutions across Africa.
