Book Description

Direct current (DC) space-cooling fans are widely recognized for their superior energy efficiency and better overall performance compared to alternating current (AC) fans. In general, DC motors consume up to 70 percent less power than AC alternatives, and operate more quietly at a lower voltage. The energy efficiency advantage of DC fans is especially relevant for Pakistan, where electric fans are the prevalent technology for space cooling. Starting in 2018, the World Bank implemented several initiatives in collaboration with the fan industry and other stakeholders in Pakistan to address as a matter of urgency various issues that limit the domestic market and hold back the export of locally manufactured DC space-cooling fans. In the near term, support to DC fan manufacturing would directly impact the outcomes of off-grid electrification in Pakistan implemented through the World Bank and others development finance institutions, potentially incentivizing the purchase of more than 200,000 DC space-cooling fans. Moreover, improvements in the quality of Pakistani DC fans will increase the international competitiveness of local fan manufacturers and open up long-term export opportunities. This report provides an overview of the broad range of assistance delivered to the domestic fan manufacturing industry and describes the impact and outcomes of the various interventions. These range from international collaboration on research and development (R&D), to setting and defining quality standards for DC fans that are International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) compliant, to building capacity in the private sector for technological improvements.