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Fungai Lupande
Mash Central Bureau
Mr Richard Phiri, a resident of Aerodrome suburb, in Bindura pays about US$80 a month to keep his air-conditioner, refrigerator and other electric appliances running in his house.
Of that amount, the biggest percentage is going towards the air-conditioner, which runs non-stop due to the soaring temperatures in Bindura.
Mr Phiri does not know the energy consumption of his air-conditioner because there is no efficiency label on the appliance.
Having an appliance with an energy efficiency label can make a substantial difference for Mr Phiri’s electricity bills.
Proper labelling of air-conditioners and refrigerators indicating their energy consumption is key to ensuring that only energy efficient appliances make their way into the market, and allow consumers to make informed decisions when buying.
“A layman cannot read a data plate at the back of an appliance, and it is important to have energy labels that can be easily seen,” said Mr Phiri.
“Air conditioners and refrigerators are the biggest consumers of energy because in my household I have switched to a solar geyser and gas stove to cut down my electricity bill.”
Energy labels are currently a legal requirement in Zimbabwe. This information is required for most electrical appliances such as stoves, washing machines, fridge freezers, dishwashers, televisions, and air conditioners, and must be displayed at retail outlets.
For consumers to choose the best appliance, whether a dishwasher or new cooker, they need to read the energy label carefully.
They must read the consumption levels stated as they can make a substantial difference in electricity and water bills.
Zimbabwe has adopted the minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) to bolster energy efficiency and combat greenhouse gas emissions.
MEPS are minimum levels of energy consumption that appliances and equipment must meet before being used.
Based on the united for efficiency assessment done in July 2020, Zimbabwe is projected to save US$29 million in electricity bills in 2030 from energy efficient and climate-friendly cooling appliances.
Additionally, the country is expected to save 290 GWh (gigawatt hours), which translates to 290 million KWh.
At a virtual meeting held in Bindura recently, Ms Madeline Edl, an energy efficiency specialist, commended Zimbabwe for being a front-runner and for its commitment to adopting sustainable cooling systems.
“Zimbabwe is a role model in implementing MEPS, and we congratulate you. For this reason, we are keen to provide additional support to Zimbabwe to ensure improved implementation of MEPS.”
She said harmonising MEPS for the region results in collaboration, effective implementation and unified measures.
“Vast opportunities lie in cost-effectiveness and improved energy efficiency in refrigerants and air conditioning products as we fight global warming.
“We started collaborating in 2021 with the SADC Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency to develop harmonised regional MEPS and to adopt cooling systems without harming the planet,” she said.
The Ministry of Energy and Power Development has commenced training stakeholders on Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for refrigerators and air conditioners to promote more energy efficiency.
As global temperatures rise, so does demand for cooling appliances, leading to an increase in energy consumption.
Air conditioners are used throughout the year, mostly during the hottest times, and even more during the midday when temperatures peak, making them energy-guzzlers. Refrigerators also consume a considerable amount of energy for medicine and food storage.
Dr Sosten Ziuku, the ministry’s director energy conservation and renewable energy, stressed the need for a rapid transition to climate-friendly and energy-efficient air conditioning systems to save on electricity consumption and protect the environment.
The training of trainers targeted experts in renewable energy and academia to collaborate, promote energy efficiency and raise consumer awareness. Dr Ziuku said that a series of activities after the training will include compliance enforcement and evaluation.
“Anticipated outcomes include widespread adoption of MEPS by stakeholders, improved energy efficiency, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, increased consumer awareness, and strengthened institutional capacity for MEPS regulation.
“Zimbabwe has taken a significant step forward by adopting (MEPS) for refrigerators and air conditioning systems. This move, supported by SADC and United for Efficiency, marks a pivotal moment in the nation’s drive towards a more sustainable future.”
Dr Ziuku said MEPS regulations serve as a cornerstone for ensuring that only energy-efficient appliances make their way into the market, helping to foster a culture of sustainability and environmental consciousness.
Implementation of MEPS also paves the way for local manufacturers to thrive in producing energy-efficient appliances, thus fostering economic growth and employment opportunities.
Zimbabwe’s adoption of MEPS contributes to a cleaner environment and aligns with global efforts to combat climate change through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
This initiative to adopt MEPS aligns closely with Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) ambitions to achieve sustainable development and economic growth.
The Ministry of Energy and Power Development has spearheaded the development of a National Energy Efficiency Policy, which is currently awaiting Cabinet approval.
Once approved, all necessary regulations to enforce the MEPS standards will be promulgated, ensuring comprehensive compliance and effective implementation.
Head of the Ozone Layer Unit in the ministry, Mr George Chaumba, pointed out that hydrofluorocarbons (HFC) used in refrigerators and air conditioners have the potential to harm the ozone layer if released into the atmosphere.
“These substances are now controlled under the Montreal Protocol. The protocol was recently amended in Kigali, Rwanda, and ratified by all countries.
“We are moving to much lower global warming alternatives like hydrocarbons. The Kigali amendment will result in cutting the production and consumption of HFCs by more than 80 percent, and will help to avoid a 0.4 degree warming by the end of this century.”
The refrigeration and air conditioning industry is the largest consumer of electricity and user of HFCs, which contribute to global warming. The Ozone Layer Unit is providing training on the safe use of hydrocarbons because they are highly flammable.
He said Zimbabwe is in Article 5 developing countries Group 1, and this year, it must freeze and reduce the consumption of HFCs and ban imports.
“We are working with customs officials, and importers to effect compliance as well as control imports,” he said.
Online Reporter