Commission to build government institution’s capacity on energy efficiency
Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN)has said that the commission will continue to build the capacity of relevant government institutions on energy efficiency.
He said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, adding that the commission was determined to effectively enforce energy performance standards of air conditioning equipment, especially in government offices.
Abdullahi also said that the commission under his watch, would continue to organise trainings and workshops to promote sustainable energy development in the country.
He described the commission’s recently held one-day training workshop on Air Conditioners Monitoring, Verification and Enforcement (AC-MVE) as an integral part of a broader plan to speed up the transition to energy-efficient.
He explained that the purpose of the workshop was to scale-up energy efficient and climate friendly cooling systems in the country.
Abdullahi said the overall objective was to accelerate the transition to energy-efficient air-conditioners (ACs) with climate friendly (low-GWP refrigerant) in residential, commercial and public buildings.
“This initiative aligns with Nigeria’s climate targets in the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and aims to do so in a cost effective and sustainable manner.
“The workshop was to build the capacity of relevant government institutions to effectively enforce energy performance standards of air conditioning equipment.
“It was to enhance their ability to carry out surveillance activities in the air conditioner sector to monitor compliance with standards as well as harness feedback from stakeholders.
“And solicit their buy-in regarding the new energy performance standards proposed for air conditioner standards,” Abdullahi said.
He expressed optimism that the outcome of the workshop would complement ongoing efforts at strengthening the capacity of government agencies.
This, he said, was especially with regards to agencies concerned with market surveillance and the enforcement of Minimum Energy Performance standards (MEPS) for air-conditioners.
The statement quoted Mr Etiosa Uyigue, UN Environment Programmme (UNEP) Country National Coordinator as saying that there was need for Nigeria to review its energy standard every five years.(https://newsatlarge.ng)