News

Inception Workshop Held to Expand Maldives Standards and Labelling Program

20 Jan 2025

Malé, Maldives –  The Ministry of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy (MCCEE), in partnership with USAID’s South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP), conducted an inception workshop on January 20, 2025 to initiate the expansion of Hakathari Program the Energy efficiency standards and labeling program of the Maldives.

The Hakathari program provides the consumers with a simple and clear indication of the energy-saving potential of electrical appliances, at the point of purchase. This is achieved via the Hakathari label affixed on the appliances that showcase a five-star rating system. The program currently covers air conditioners, refrigerators, and washing machines, with 71 models registered to date. Notably, seven brands of air conditioners have joined the program.

The program is now being expanded to include water heaters, water pumps, and fans. The labelling criteria for these new appliances will be developed based on an analysis of market data, the origin of manufactured products, and existing labels, tests, and standards. The expansion of the Hakathari Program is supported by USAID through the South Asia Regional Energy Partnership (SAREP), which provides technical expertise and resources to enhance energy efficiency initiatives in the Maldives.

During the workshop, His Excellency Thoriq Ibrahim, Minister of Climate Change, Environment, and Energy, highlighted the importance of energy efficiency in reducing energy demand and supporting the country’s climate goals. “The Hakathari Program has been steadily growing and has an important role to play in transitioning to cleaner energy systems. Expanding the program to new appliances will further strengthen our national efforts toward energy efficiency and sustainability,” the Minister said. He also announced plans to amend public procurement regulations to mandate the procurement of Hakathari-labeled appliances in the public sector.

Ms. Apurva Chaturvedi, Senior Regional Clean Energy Specialist at USAID/India, participated in the workshop along with other USAID SAREP officials.

The event brought together stakeholders from government agencies, registered importers, and retailers, along with USAID SAREP experts, to discuss the market assessment for the new appliances and methodologies for developing energy efficiency labeling criteria.