By Qianqian Cui, China Associate, CLASP and Karishma Joseph, senior associate India, CLASP
China, with its growing economy and strong manufacturing base, is leading the way for efficient cooling technologies. The recent China Refrigeration Symposium 2024 and the China Cooling Expo 2024 in Beijing brought together global stakeholders to chart a path towards high-efficiency cooling solutions. These events highlighted the Chinese government’s efforts to enforce higher national Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) in the country’s commitment to climate action. China also announced it will promote the use of CO₂ and other natural refrigerants to reduce the harmful environmental impact of cooling systems.
CLASP was there too, to present our global research on the interlinked climate and sustainable development opportunities affordable, efficient cooling appliances can bring, as well as the policy mechanisms that can expedite a country’s transition to efficiency. CLASP research projects that improved Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) in China could reduce 500 million tons of CO₂ by 2040.
CLASP is supporting China’s policy upgrades for commercial refrigerators, room air conditioners among other appliances. Through initiatives such as the China Labeling Program, which covers more than 150 products and emphasizes high efficiency standards, China is setting a benchmark for global best practices in energy efficiency regulation.
CLASP’s research highlights the opportunity and urgency needed for concerted global efforts to achieve high-efficiency cooling solutions. “The critical role of policymaking in implementation of high-efficiency technologies cannot be overstated,” said Steven Zeng, CLASP’s Program Lead in China.
As CLASP continues to collaborate with international policymakers, industry stakeholders and global partners, momentum for high-efficient cooling is picking up pace. By leveraging collective expertise and shared goals, the path to a more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable future for cooling systems is increasingly attainable.