CLASP marked International Women’s Day by highlighting women leading its work to expand access to efficient appliances and equipment across the Global South. The organization said broader availability and affordability of products such as efficient air conditioners, fans, refrigerators and solar water pumps can help address climate targets while strengthening resilience, livelihoods and economic growth.
The group highlighted work in Africa, Brazil and India, as well as research and analytics support for emerging economies. In Africa, Angellah Nzuna Wekongo, manager, Africa, works with policymakers and institutions to strengthen appliance energy efficiency policies and keep inefficient products out of the market. CLASP said her support for more stringent industrial motor standards in South Africa could save 2.94 billion rand (approximately $180 million USD) annually.
Dr. Dianah Ngui Muchai, manager, research, leads policy-driven research for the Low Energy Inclusive Appliance (LEIA) program. CLASP cited the deployment of solar-powered irrigation and efficient refrigeration in Kenya as one example of her work, saying it reduced emissions, improved agricultural yields and increased business revenues. In Brazil, Edilaine Camillo, manager, Brazil, leads work on policies to make appliances more efficient and durable while keeping them affordable, including support for new LED lighting standards.
Jiayi Zhang, manager, data & analytics, oversees tools used to measure the impact of CLASP climate programs and led development of a framework to identify priority appliances for efficiency policy in Brazil through 2030. In India, Neha Dhingra, director, India, leads policy, market and financing interventions on appliance efficiency and access. CLASP said her team helped the Indian government develop policies that cut the country’s electricity costs by approximately $6 billion USD between 2018 and 2023, while also reducing energy demand and emissions.
“Global South countries are urbanizing and industrializing at an unprecedented pace. If we embed efficiency, affordability, and equity into markets from the start, these countries can leapfrog to cleaner, more resilient systems,” said Neha Dhingra, director, India.
