Tripoli, 15/September/2025 – The Ministry of Planning, the Libyan National Center for Standardization and Metrology (LNCSM), and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with funding from the European Union, launched today Libya’s first set of Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and Labelling, developed to improve energy efficiency and enhance regulatory frameworks in the country.

The launch brought together senior government officials, technical institutions, private sector representatives, and development partners. The programme is funded by the European Union under the UNDP project “Support to Energy Transition and Climate Change Mitigation in Libya.”

Libya faces increasing pressure on its electricity grid, driven by increasing demand, reliance on outdated appliances, and limited regulatory oversight. In the absence of clear product performance benchmarks, inefficient appliances continue to circulate in the market, contributing to energy waste, higher consumer costs, and increased emissions.

In response, the newly launched MEPS introduced six national standards regulating the energy performance of common household appliances, including refrigerators and air conditioners, and LED Lamps. A complementary energy labelling system will guide consumers toward more efficient choices and help phase out low-quality, energy-intensive products.

“The introduction of these standards reflects Libya’s broader commitment to building a more transparent, efficient, and responsive energy sector,” said Mr Mohamed Al-Zaidani, Minister of Planning. “We are proud to work with national institutions and our international partners to deliver practical reforms that serve the public interest, and we thank the EU for having financed these efforts.”

The initiative also includes the development of a digital energy efficiency platform, designed to support national institutions in monitoring implementation, tracking compliance, and informing future policymaking.

Mr Ali Ben Zitoun, General Manager of LNCSM, said: “These standards and tools will strengthen consumer protection, raise product quality across the market, and contribute to reducing overall electricity consumption in Libya, leading to a significant reduction in household electricity bills and a reduction in carbon footprint. This is an expression of how the EU-Libya Energy partnership delivers tangible benefits to Libyan citizens.”

Libya now joins more than 120 countries that have introduced MEPS and labelling schemes as cost-effective measures to improve energy performance, reduce demand, and support climate objectives. The MEPS form part of Libya’s wider national strategy to promote sustainable energy use, institutional coordination, and alignment with international good practices.

H.E. Nicola Orlando, EU Ambassador to Libya, said: “This Programme delivers concrete benefits for Libyan citizens, helping households save energy, supporting businesses, and strengthening public finances. It is also a key step in Libya’s energy transition towards a more reliable and sustainable power system. The European Union has been proud to contribute to making this milestone possible, and we will continue to support the sector, in partnership with Libyan institutions, to turn reforms into lasting results.”

UNDP has provided technical assistance throughout the process, facilitating consultations, developing standards and digital tools, and strengthening institutional capacity to implement and monitor the system. Public awareness efforts, training for market actors, and additional standards for new product categories are planned in the coming period.

Dr Sophie Kemkhadze, UNDP Resident Representative in Libya, said: “This is an important first step in Libya’s energy transition. These standards help pave the way for smarter energy use, lower emissions, and better protection for consumers. But this is just the beginning. More will be needed to shift behaviours, strengthen enforcement, and support institutions to lead the change. We are proud to accompany our national partners on this journey, with generous support from the European Union, to ensure that energy reforms ultimately improve the lives of people across Libya and contribute to global climate goals.