Plummeting Solar+Storage Auction Prices in India Unlock Affordable, Inflation-Proof 24/7 Clean Power
Plummeting costs of solar and battery storage in India along with technological improvements are opening new opportunities for clean and low-cost power generation. Recent energy storage auctions in India reveal record-low prices, with unsubsidized standalone battery storage bids at 2.8 lacs/MW/month and solar+storage bids at 3.1–3.5 INR/kWh.
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The IECC team is collaborating with India’s National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) on accurate extreme heat warnings for outdoor workers, and science-based solutions to protect them during heatwaves. We’ve also demonstrated that enhanced AC efficiency standards could avoid a third of projected additional load due to ACs.
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.