Regional harmonised MEPS have been developed and adopted in SADC and EAC for general, service and off-grid lighting,a process supported by the EELA project through the Regional Technical Committees, while the MEPS process for refrigerators and air-conditioners is well under way (in collaboration with U4E).
Market assessment and supply chain analysis have been conducted on productive use appliances in both the EAC and SADC regions, and will guide EELA project interventions in this area.
EELA e-Learning platform launched with two modules already online: a general module on markets for energy efficient lighting and appliances, and an in-depth module on Lighting. Collaboration with the Kafue Gorge Regional Training Centre in Zambia is being established to implement guided EELA training cycles.
The regional energy efficiency policy for the EAC region is under development, with support of the EELA project. The policy will provide an important regional energy efficiency framework for the region, including targets for energy efficient appliances.
The EELA Facility was launched in 2021 to support the implementation of projects in EAC and SADC countries using innovative delivery methods for energy efficient services and products, such as those provided by energy service companies (ESCOs). The Facility was also open to manufacturers wanting to upgrade their processes to manufacture products that meet MEPS.
Thirty-five applications were received covering various sectors, technologies, and energy service business models from EAC and SADC companies. Eight applicants have qualified and are receiving technical assistance or co-financing support to implement their projects.
Private sector engagement strategy for EELA was the basis for the Facility, and guidelines for energy service business models were developed and widely disseminated among EAC and SADC stakeholders.
Regional Compliance Framework was developed, a strategy and action plan to assist Member States to effectively implement and enforce regionally harmonized energy efficiency policy measures and protect EAC and SADC markets from non-compliant and low-quality products. The Framework includes an EELA gender mainstreaming strategy.
The EELA webinar series was established with one webinar being hosted per quarter for knowledge sharing among member states on EELA related topics. International experts are also invited to present case studies, ultimately providing guidance to Member States in their national EELA programmes.
Market surveillance for lighting products was enabled through the purchase of portable goniometers for each of the 21 member states, to screen the quality of lighting products. This equipment will allow for screening of lighting products in the EAC and SADC markets and facilitate verification of their compliance to national standards and regionally harmonised and adopted MEPS.
Moreover, in line with the Regional Compliance Framework, joint testing and market surveillance activities involving all Member States will be organised by the EELA project around the distributed portable test equipment, to promote regional collaboration and intelligence sharing on compliance, which is essential for well-functioning and effective regional markets.
Guidelines for energy efficient public procurement were developed, and trainings are being conducted among public procurers.
Since Governments and their agencies are major buyers in most countries, encouraging them to procure more energy efficient products is an effective method of increasing the use of such products. These guidelines are intended to help Governments put in place mechanisms that ensure they purchase more efficient appliances both in terms of the quantities purchased relative to the total purchases and of the efficiency levels of individual products.
The EELA project participated in major regional and global events, for example the Africa Energy Indaba, Vienna Energy Forum, and SEforALL Forum.
