This project concept note is part of the preparatory works for phase two project which will build on the successes of the ongoing GCF-financed readiness project titled- ‘National Framework for Leapfrogging to Energy Efficient and Friendly-Climate Room Air Conditioners and Residential Refrigerating Appliances in The Gambia.’
The event held at Metzy Hotel, seeks to facilitate the implementations of MEPS and drive transformative energy efficiency nationwide specifically through public awareness and capacity building; financing mechanism and environmentally sound management initiatives among a host of others.
At the opening ceremony, Lamin Camara, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Energy, acknowledged that the country’s energy sector is at a pivotal juncture, reminding that ‘our population is growing, coupled with increasing economic activities, has led to a significant rise in energy demand, making it imperative for all to embrace energy-efficient technologies and practices.
The Enabling Energy Efficiency in The Gambia initiative is a strategic response to these challenges. By improving energy efficiency, we can reduce greenhouse gas emission, lower energy cost for households and businesses and contribute to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
The project, he added, seeks to complement the development of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and labels for energy-efficiency appliances by addressing market barriers, increasing public awareness, thus implementing innovative financial mechanism.
He said, together those efforts will drive a holistic transformation of the cooling and refrigeration market in the country.
Moreover, the project, he said, goes beyond just technical upgrades, as it encompasses critical components such as public procurement component policies, environmentally sound management of outdated appliances and the construction of the State of the Art Lab for energy efficient testing -solidifying The Gambia’s position as a regional leader in sustainable energy practices.
PS Camara expressed gratitude to Green Climate Fund for their unwavering support, as well as UNEP and African Development Bank (AfDB) for their partnership in the transformative initiative.
He also commended all stakeholders who’ve worked tirelessly to bring them this far.
“As we deliberate today, let’s bear the responsibility we bear to not only shape policies, but to inspire actions that will positively impact the lives of generation to come. Together we can lay a foundation for a more-greener, more sustainable and energy-efficient Gambia.
