In a significant move towards promoting a cleaner and more sustainable environment, the National Technical Committee (NTC) of Science Technology and Innovation (STI) said it is set to adopt highly efficient air conditioners (ACs) that benefit both citizens and the environment.
The director of linkages, research and consultancy at the Energy Commission of Nigeria, Engr. Okon Ekpenyong made this announcement during the inaugural meeting of the NTC in Abuja. The meeting, held under the ” ‘Scaling Up Energy Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria’s NDC Revision’ project,” aimed to explore ways to enhance energy efficiency and reduce the ecological footprint of cooling systems.
The project aims to steer people away from inefficient air conditioners that contribute to environmental pollution and guide them towards using ACs that consume less electricity while providing effective cooling.
Ekpenyong revealed that the project, implemented in collaboration with the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), United Nations Environment Prject (UNEP), Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC) and United for Efficiency (U4E), aims to raise the standard of ACs available to Nigerians.
The project’s objective is to shift AC usage from less efficient models to more energy-efficient ones, as well as the transition from high-warming potential refrigerants to more environmentally friendly alternatives.
“This project will have a significant impact on the lives of citizens. If you use an inefficient AC, you’ll spend a lot of money on electricity. It consumes excessive electricity to produce the same amount of cooling, resulting in higher electricity bills. However, by using an AC that provides adequate cooling while using less electricity, your bills will be more manageable,” Ekpenyong explained.
He added, “The project is expected to take about two years to complete, but its benefits will be long-lasting”.
Regarding market access, Ekpenyong noted that the demand for efficient ACs would increase as the country transitions away from outdated models. Nigeria aims to meet international standards in this regard.
According to the national coordinator of the project, Etiosa Uyigue, cooling systems account for approximately 40 per cent of household electricity consumption. Uyigue emphasised that the project aims to raise the minimum energy performance standard above its current level.
To achieve this ambitious goal, Uyigue emphasised the importance of creating awareness, establishing geometric standards for performance, engaging consultants to develop communication strategies, and conducting comprehensive assessments to ensure the standard is implemented at all levels.
“Data collection is essential for the success of this project,” Uyigue concluded.
