Energy Labelling and Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Air-Conditioners

Papua New Guinea’s (PNG) draft Energy Labelling and Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Appliances, Equipment, and Lighting Products Regulation 2017 was aimed at reducing anthropogenic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the electricity generation sector. GHG emission reductions are expected to materialize by increasing the energy efficiency (EE) of both imported and locally manufactured electrical appliances, equipment, and lighting products. The overall objective of this assignment was to provide technical assistance to support the Government of PNG in executing and promoting energy labelling and minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for air conditioners (ACs).

The main focus of the MEPS and energy labelling standards and this assignment was to ensure not only increased EE in the country, but also the phase out of ozone-depleting substances in appliance refrigerants. The MEPS and energy labelling standards addressed both importers and domestic manufacturers of ACs.

Econoler carried out the following activities under this technical assistance assignment:

• Conducted a market assessment classification and developed a database of ACs imported to and manufactured in PNG; 

• Developed a GHG baseline for ACs. This initial assessment was followed by a gap assessment to analyze and provide recommendations on the enabling environment for the implementation of MEPS and energy labelling standards as well as compliance and enforcement thereto; 

• Designed a monitoring, verification, and enforcement scheme; 

• Conducted a gender-mainstreaming assessment and a training program for relevant national authorities involved in implementing the MEPS and energy labelling scheme for AC products.

• Designed a Gender Action Plan for the project beneficiary.

The outcomes of this technical assistance supported PNG in implementing the Energy Labelling and Minimum Energy Performance Standards for Appliances, Equipment and Lighting Products Regulation 2017 with a focus on ACs.