- The Federal Government of Nigeria approved Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners and refrigerators to reduce energy demand and emissions, aligning with international best practices.
- The new standards aim to save 11.5 TWh of energy annually by 2040 and reduce CO₂ emissions by 39 million tonnes over the next 15 years.
The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has approved new Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners and refrigerators. This move aims to promote energy efficiency, reduce demand, and lower emissions nationwide.
Abdullahi Mustapha, Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), announced the move at a Stakeholder Workshop in Abuja. He emphasised that enforcing these new standards would benefit the economy and the environment.
Mustapha highlighted that adopting energy-efficient appliances would save energy for individuals and reduce national energy demand. This, in turn, would improve energy access for Nigerians and align with climate targets.
The new MEPS was developed under the “Scaling Up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria’s NDC Revision” project. The project is a collaboration between the ECN and the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) United for Efficiency (U4E) team.
According to Mustapha, the new standards align with international best practices. They ensure that Nigeria adopts modern appliances that use electricity efficiently. This change is expected to save 11.5 TWh of energy annually by 2040 and reduce emissions by 39 million tonnes of CO₂ over the next 15 years.
Since 2022, Nigeria has worked to accelerate using energy-efficient air conditioners and climate-friendly refrigerants in homes, businesses, and public buildings. This initiative supports Nigeria’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) under the Paris Agreement.
At the workshop, Mustapha also presented the new MEPS for air conditioners and discussed waste management for air conditioners and refrigerators, including recommendations for refrigerant management and disposal in Nigeria.
Jose Cabajosa Morale, a recycling expert at UNEP, explained the project’s objectives. He stated that the initiative aims to promote energy-efficient air conditioners and refrigerators with climate-friendly refrigerants. These efforts will support Nigeria’s climate targets and reduce energy consumption.
Morale also noted that the new standards would significantly reduce Nigerians’ energy costs and contribute to achieving global climate goals.
The project has already made significant progress since its launch. It provides a model for other African countries to follow.
Representing ECN, Shehu Mustapha, Acting Director and Head of the Energy Transition Unit, ECN stressed that collaboration between the ECN, Federal Ministry of Environment, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON), and UNEP has been key to the project’s achievements.
He added, “Our collective efforts aim to improve energy efficiency and promote climate-friendly cooling solutions, contributing to Nigeria’s climate goals and sustainable energy access.”
This new approval of energy-efficient standards is crucial to reducing emissions, lowering energy costs, and enhancing sustainability in Nigeria.