Why India’s AC energy efficiency matters in a rapidly warming world
Despite launching the India Cooling Action Plan in 2019, India’s ACs remain among the least efficient globally. We speak to researchers Nikit Abhyankar and Jose Dominguez from UC Berkeley to understand why India’s star ratings lag, what it means for energy demand, and how smarter cooling can support both thermal comfort and climate goals.
Lost in the heat: The critical miscalculation in India’s heatwave mortality data
Many heat-related deaths go unrecognised or are misclassified. Physicians often record only the immediate medical cause on death certificates, without acknowledging the role of heat as the underlying trigger. Such serious underestimation leads to serious misallocation of resources
Doubling the Pace of Deployment of Renewable Energy Capacity in India
Due to rapid economic growth, urbanization, and industrialization, India’s electricity demand is expected to nearly double in the next decade. The electricity demand in the country has grown at an average of 6-7% in the last three years. 250 GW peak demand was met in May 2024, up from 240 GW in September 2023, and is projected to touch 270 GW in summer 2025.
OPINION: Why efficient air conditioners must be a national priority for India
Even with many new thermal and hydro plants under construction, India faces a projected shortfall in firm capacity as early as 2026—just one summer away; the most immediate and cost-effective solution lies in improving the energy efficiency of air conditioners
India can avert power shortages with stronger AC efficiency standards: Study
The study conducted by India Energy and Climate Center (IECC) highlights that India adds 10 to 15 million new ACs annually, with another 130 to 150 million expected over the next decade.
More Efficient Cooling May Shield India From Summer Blackouts
More efficient air-conditioners may help prevent the power cuts that every year overwhelm India during the hot season, according to a study by University of California, Berkeley.
Indians Can Save Rs 2.2 Lakh Crore With Energy-Efficient ACs: Study
A new study showed that India can avoid severe power shortages, save consumers up to Rs 2.2 lakh crore by doubling the energy efficiency of room air conditioners over next decade.
India can avert power shortages with stronger AC efficiency standards: Study
India can avoid severe power shortages and save consumers up to Rs 2.2 lakh crore ($26 billion) by doubling the energy efficiency of room air conditioners (ACs) over the next decade, according to a new study at University of California (UC) Berkeley.
India Can Avert Power Shortages and Cut Consumer Bills by Requiring More Efficient Air Conditioners
India is experiencing a rapid surge in electricity demand driven by the widespread adoption of room air conditioners (ACs), propelled by rising incomes, urbanization, and increasingly severe heat waves. We estimate that between 2025 and 2035, India will add an additional 130 million new room ACs, and without targeted interventions, room ACs alone could contribute over 180 GW to India’s peak load by 2035, straining the power system and necessitating costly investments in new capacity.
Crossroads 6
By several tokens, 2024 was a historic year. While it set a record as the warmest year to date, there was also significant progress on the clean energy front. India reached a major milestone, surpassing 200 GW of renewable energy capacity in Q4 2024.