I wanted to share this amazing case study of energy efficiency policy effectiveness!
In 2005, the Ghana Energy Commission initiated an appliance minimum efficiency performance standards (MEPS) and labeling program. Just recently, they released a study featuring key impact metrics from the past decade for cooling appliances policies under the program. Refrigeration and air conditioning account for around 30% of residential energy consumption in the country.
“By the end of 2020, a total of 10,159 GWh (10.16 TWh) of electricity has been saved on refrigerators and air conditioners, which is attributable to energy labels and MEPS... This intervention delayed additional capacity expansion of about 1,160 MW, equivalent to a third (31.8%) of the total Installed Thermal Generation Capacity (3,649 MW), in 2020.” The efforts also cut 6.32 Mt of CO2 emissions.
These policies add to the robust evidence base proving appliance efficiency standards and labels are effective in cutting energy use and emissions and reducing the need for additional fossil fuel infrastructure.
We applaud the government of Ghana for this significant win and we hope this success will encourage action on drafted appliance efficiency policies in the country and inspire the global community to follow suit.