ASEAN Ten Countries Air-cooled Switch SFP

ASEAN's ten member countries are implementing harmonized energy efficiency standards and roadmaps for air-cooled systems to reduce electricity consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.Regional Energy Efficiency ProgramsThe ASEAN Standards Harmonization Initiative for Energy Efficiency (ASEAN SHINE) and the ASEAN Cool Initiative aim to improve the energy performance of air-cooled systems, particularly room air conditioners, across all ten ASEAN member states. These programs focus on harmonizing test methods, Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS), and labeling schemes to encourage the adoption of higher-efficiency air conditioners, which could save up to 13.9 TWh annually in the region .Key Components of the InitiativesHarmonized Testing Standards: ASEAN countries are adopting ISO 5151:2010 for air conditioner energy performance testing to ensure consistency across national markets .Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS): MEPS set mandatory efficiency floors for air-cooled systems, ensuring that only energy-efficient products enter the market .Regional Policy Roadmaps: ASEAN has developed a Regional Policy Roadmap for air conditioners, endorsed in 2015, with national roadmaps adopted by countries including Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam .Capacity Building and Technical Assistance: Programs provide training, stakeholder engagement, and technical support to governments, manufacturers, and consumer organizations to facilitate compliance and adoption of efficient systems .Market Integration: Removing non-tariff barriers and promoting regional market integration helps increase the availability and adoption of high-efficiency air-cooled systems .Projected ImpactWith continued economic growth and rising air conditioner ownership, electricity demand for space cooling in ASEAN is projected to reach 300 TWh by 2040, equivalent to the combined electricity consumption of Indonesia and Singapore . Implementing harmonized MEPS and energy-efficient air-cooled systems can significantly reduce electricity demand, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and improve energy security across the region.Stakeholders and ImplementationThe initiatives involve collaboration between the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE), United for Efficiency (U4E), Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), and the International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC). Target groups include policymakers, standards-making bodies, testing laboratories, manufacturers, and consumer organizations . By aligning technical standards, MEPS, and labeling, ASEAN aims to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient air-cooled systems, supporting sustainable growth and reducing environmental impacts across all ten member countries.