East and Southern Africa

United for Efficiency supports the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to advance policies, strategies and actions for the phase-out of inefficient air conditioners and residential refrigerators. The project aims to support the regions to develop harmonised Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for both products.

United for Efficiency works in collaboration with the East African Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Efficiency (EACREEE) and SADC’s Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) to maximise the effectiveness of the activities in the region.

PROJECT DETAILS

REGIONAL EAC-SADC PROJECT ON ENERGY EFFICIENT COOLING APPLIANCES

This joint EAC and SADC project is funded by the GEF, the Clean Cooling Collaborative (formerly K-CEP) and the UK Government (Defra) and aims to develop a policy framework for energy-efficient and climate friendly refrigerators and air conditioners, with the ultimate goal to implement MEPS and labelling for these products in both regions. Transitioning to energy efficient air conditioners and refrigerators will result in an enormous reduction in the electricity demand in EAC and SADC, and working closely with the East African Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Efficiency (EACREEE) and SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (SACREEE) on the project will multiply the effect on the ground through a broader regional collaboration.

Main Components

Conduct a regional market assessment covering the 21 countries in the two regions
Engage with technical committee and consult the committee for the standards development
Develop technical notes on refrigerating appliances and air conditioners
Develop draft MEPS and labels
Provide technical assistance on implementation by subset of countries