Regional MEPS approved in 16 Southern African countries

Over 100 countries worldwide have established Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for refrigeration and air conditioning appliances, resulting in a significant improvement in the energy efficiency of the appliances available on the market. (see our previous article on the positive impact of MEPS in China) 

In Africa, much remains to be done to transform the refrigeration market into more energy-efficient appliances. (see our previous article on dumping of inefficient cooling equipment)

As of January 2024, the 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states formally approved harmonised regional MEPS for air conditioners and domestic refrigerators. Once implemented, these MEPS should help achieve an estimated electricity saving of nearly 8 TWh by 2040, almost equivalent to the output of four large (500 MW) power plants, and a reduction of CO₂ emissions by 6.5 million tonnes.  

The MEPS, and associated performance labelling requirements, are aligned with international best practices and part of the requirements imposed on Governments participating in the Global Cooling Pledge.  

For air conditioners, the MEPS in the SADC region require a maximum global warming potential (GWP) of the refrigerants used to be ≤ 750 for ductless split air conditioners and ≤ 150 for self-contained and portable air conditioners, and an ozone depletion potential (ODP) of zero for all product types. For refrigerators, the GWP of the refrigerants used must be less than or equal to 20, with an ODP of zero, for all products. 

For air conditioners and refrigerators, two tiers are specified for minimum energy consumption, one for implementation in 2024 and a second, more ambitious level for implementation by 2027. 

These MEPS have been developed as part of the “Regional Harmonization of Energy‑Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in East and Southern Africa” project.  

For more information on the project, visit the U4E website.