Sustainable Cooling: India's Path to Efficient Power Demand Management

India's growing demand for air conditioners is expected to significantly increase peak power demand by 2035. A new study suggests that doubling the energy efficiency of ACs could save consumers billions and prevent power shortages. Policy updates could encourage domestic manufacturing and ensure sustainable cooling solutions.

India is on the brink of a significant power demand surge due to the anticipated addition of 130-150 million room air conditioners over the next decade. This increase could push the country's peak power demand beyond 180 gigawatts by 2035, a recent study revealed.

Conducted by the India Energy and Climate Center at the University of California, the study emphasizes that improving AC energy efficiency could avert severe power shortages while saving up to Rs 2.2 lakh crore for consumers in the next ten years.

The authors urge policy interventions to enhance energy standards, particularly through revising the Minimum Energy Performance Standards. This could prevent electricity shortages and establish India as a leader in sustainable cooling solutions.

(With inputs from agencies.)