Promoting energy-efficient cooling in India

Context

The building cooling domain in India predominantly relies on decentralised individual systems, leading to high energy consumption and the use of climate-damaging refrigerants. In response, the Government of India has devised the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP). The plan aims at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and involves collaboration with the industry, civil society institutions and research institutes. The implementation of the ICAP will require conversion to more energy-efficient central systems.

Objective

The conditions for using energy-efficient district cooling systems have been improved in India.

Approach

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Ministry of Power, Government of India (BEE), acts as the national energy efficiency authority and is responsible for implementing the energy efficiency component of the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP). The project provides technical support through the following measures:

• Developing a strategic roadmap for the wider adoption of district cooling technologies.
• Creating business models and framework conditions to implement the roadmap.
• Supporting project partners in preparing applications for international funding and establishing a centre for excellence on district cooling.

Due to the massive potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in the country through energy efficient space cooling technologies, the project will lay the groundwork for contributing to the achievement of India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). In addition, its integrative approach can be replicated in other countries and regions.

Last update: May 2024