Power Ministry launches energy efficiency labelling of chillers

The Power Ministry Friday launched an ambitious programme on energy efficiency in chillers that consume more than 40 percent of total energy in commercial buildings.

The move can save more than 500 million units of electricity in 2019 along with the reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a Power Ministry statement said.

The ministry intends to encourage the deployment of energy-efficient chiller systems, that are used widely in industrial processes.

The Chiller Star Labelling Programme has been formulated by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). It envisages providing star rating in terms of its energy performance. Initially, the programme is launched on the voluntary basis and will be valid up to December 31, 2020.

Power Secretary A K Bhalla emphasized on improving energy efficiency in a space-and-process cooling sector, considering the occasion of 24th World Ozone Day and the 31st Anniversary of Montreal Protocol, which will be observed on September 16, 2018.

"This initiative will promote advanced technology for central HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems and will also facilitate energy efficient solutions for the large commercial and industrial applications," A K Bhalla said in the statement.

Chillers are used extensively for space conditioning of buildings and for industrial process cooling applications. The size of Indian chiller market which stood at 1 Million Tonne per year at 2017, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 3.6 percent fuelled by a growth in the retail, hospitality and infrastructure projects.

The Chillers, being energy intensive system, contribute more than 40 percent of the total energy consumption in commercial buildings. Therefore, it is important to optimize energy performance of chillers and create awareness amongst the end users to adopt transition towards energy efficient chillers.

The BEE has developed an online registration platform for easy and expeditious approval under this initiative. The manufacturers will be able to register online for availing appropriate star rating of chiller equipment. Based on the test certificate from designated agencies and after due verification from BEE, the star label (1 to 5) will be awarded, with 5 stars being the most efficient chillers.

Through Chiller star labeling Programme, it is estimated that more than 500 million units of electricity would be saved in 2019 along with Green House Gases (GHG) reduction of 0.5 million-ton equivalent of CO2. It is also anticipated to save more than 4 Billion units of electricity in the year 2030 with CO2 emission reduction of 3.5 million ton through this program, it added.