Core Viewpoint - The new national standard for household refrigerators, effective from June 1, 2026, aims to enhance energy efficiency and practicality, significantly reducing energy consumption and increasing usable space in refrigerators [1][4][5]. Energy Efficiency Standards - The new energy efficiency labeling system categorizes refrigerators into five levels, with Level 1 being the most energy-efficient and representing international leading standards [2][3]. - The updated standards increase the energy consumption limits for each efficiency level by approximately 30% to 40%, allowing for significant energy savings for consumers [4]. Energy Savings Potential - A 500-liter refrigerator under the new standard will require 0.55 kWh/day, a 40% reduction from the current requirement of 0.92 kWh/day, leading to annual savings of about 135 kWh and approximately 68 yuan in electricity costs [4]. - With an estimated annual sales volume of 60 million refrigerators, the new standards could result in an annual energy saving of 13 billion kWh, equivalent to the power generation of the Three Gorges Dam for one and a half months [4]. Usable Space Improvement - The new standard introduces a volume utilization rate, allowing for a 10% to 30% increase in usable space within the same external dimensions of the refrigerator [5]. - For a 500-liter refrigerator, this could translate to an additional 50 to 100 liters of usable space, achieved through technological innovations in insulation materials and component miniaturization [5]. Smart Grid Interaction - The new standard includes provisions for smart grid signal response capabilities, enabling refrigerators to interact with the power grid [7]. - This feature allows refrigerators to adjust their operation based on grid load, potentially saving users over 5% on electricity costs while also alleviating pressure on the power grid [7]. Inclusion of Small Refrigerators - The new standard expands its scope to include small refrigerators, such as portable units with a capacity of 60 liters or less, which are increasingly popular [8]. - The inclusion of these small refrigerators in the energy management system is expected to accelerate energy-saving technology upgrades in the industry, leading to an estimated annual energy saving of 600 million kWh [8].

Core Insights - The implementation of the energy efficiency labeling system in China has significantly improved over the past 20 years, enhancing energy efficiency and consumer awareness [1][3][4] - The system has expanded its coverage to 45 categories and 4 million models, with over 5.5 billion appliances benefiting from the green labeling initiative [1][3] - The energy efficiency labeling system has become one of the most recognized product labels in China, contributing to a 20% to 40% overall improvement in energy efficiency levels [2][3] Group 1: System Development and Impact - The energy efficiency labeling system was established in 2004 and has evolved through government leadership, market collaboration, and public participation [1][4] - The system has led to the sale of nearly 100 million appliances this year alone, generating over 330 billion yuan in sales [2] - Cumulatively, the system has saved 4.2 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity, equivalent to a significant reduction in carbon emissions [3][4] Group 2: Future Directions - The future of the energy efficiency labeling system will focus on promoting digital and intelligent technologies to support energy-saving and carbon reduction policies [4] - The system aims to enhance the global reach of green products and contribute further to achieving energy-saving and carbon reduction goals [4]

Core Insights - The implementation of the energy efficiency labeling system in China has achieved significant results over the past 20 years, supporting policy measures, leading technological upgrades, enhancing energy efficiency, promoting green consumption, and achieving energy savings and carbon reduction [1] Group 1: Energy Efficiency Labeling System - The energy efficiency labeling system in China has expanded from covering two product categories (refrigerators and air conditioners) to 45 categories [1] - More than 26,000 companies have registered under the energy efficiency labeling system, with over 4 million product models recorded [1] - The cumulative electricity savings achieved through this system exceed 4.28 trillion kilowatt-hours [1] Group 2: International Standing - China's energy efficiency labeling system is recognized as one of the most extensive, largest in market scale, and most effective in energy savings internationally [1]