Zimbabwe leading in energy conservation

Fungai Lupande

Mashonaland Central Bureau

The United Nations Environmental Program has commended Zimbabwe for leading in the implementation of the Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS).

MEPS are the minimum energy consumption levels that appliances and equipment must meet before being used.

Based on the United for Efficiency assessment in July 2020, Zimbabwe is projected to save US$29 million in electricity bills in 2030 from improved energy efficiency and climate-friendly cooling appliances.

Additionally, the country is expected to save 290 GWh (gigawatt hour), which translates to 290 million KWh.

Speaking during a recent meeting in Bindura, Energy efficiency specialist Madeline Edl commended Zimbabwe 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 transition to lower global warming potential efficiency.

“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.”

The Ministry of Energy and Power Development has commenced training stakeholders on MEPS for refrigerators and air conditioners to promote energy efficiency in Zimbabwe.

Director of Energy Conservation and Renewable Energy in the ministry, Dr Mtonga Sosten Ziuku stressed the need for a rapid transition to climate-friendly and energy-efficient air conditioning systems to save energy and protect the environment.

The training of trainers targeted experts in renewable energy and academia.

Dr Ziuku said after the training, a series of activities will include compliance enforcement and evaluation.