ECN Hosts Stakeholders' Workshop to Showcase Groundbreaking Achievements and Introduce New Energy Standards

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) convened a high-level Stakeholders' Workshop to showcase the remarkable progress of its ongoing initiative on energy-efficient and climate-friendly cooling solutions. The event also served as a landmark moment to unveil Nigeria's newly approved Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for air conditioners.

In his keynote address, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, the Director-General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria, highlighted the workshop's significance in driving Nigeria's sustainable energy agenda.

"The Energy Commission of Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and with financial backing from the Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC), has been spearheading the Scaling up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling project since 2022. This initiative is strategically designed to fast-track the adoption of energy-efficient air conditioners that utilise climate-friendly refrigerants, aligning with Nigeria's Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement," Dr Abdullahi stated.

The Federal Government of Nigeria's approval and enforcement of the new MEPS for air conditioners mark a significant milestone in the nation's pursuit of energy efficiency and sustainability. These standards are poised to drive significant economic and environmental benefits, including substantial energy savings, reduced electricity demand, and expanded energy access for millions of Nigerians.

Dr Abdullahi emphasised the crucial need for awareness and collaboration among key stakeholders, including regulatory bodies, manufacturers, and importers of air conditioning units. He also highlighted the workshop's key role in encouraging discussions on a sustainable Waste Management Mechanism for air conditioners and domestic refrigerators, strongly focusing on refrigerant management and safe disposal strategies.

Key objectives of the workshop include showcasing the project's achievements and impact since inception, presenting the details and implementation framework of the newly approved AC MEPS, and proposing a comprehensive waste management strategy for air conditioners and domestic refrigerators in Nigeria.

Dr Abdullahi extended his appreciation to the Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) for its instrumental role in reviewing the MEPS under this initiative. He also acknowledged the Clean Cooling Collaborative's financial support and the United Nations Environment Programme's technical expertise. Key partners, including the National Ozone Office of the Federal Ministry of Environment, were also recognised for their invaluable contributions.

The Energy Commission of Nigeria is committed to energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, and climate-friendly cooling solutions, ensuring that Nigeria continues toward a greener, more energy-secure future.