The India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) is a recent initiative by the Ozone Cell of Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC). The ICAP is created with the aim to provide sustainable cooling solutions. Alongside this goal, the plan also ensures the protection of the ozone layer from harmful emissions. Taking a broader perspective, the plan outlines projections for cooling needs across a 20-year span, focusing on the years 2037-38.
The Objectives of ICAP
One of the primary objectives of the ICAP is to assess the cooling requirements in various sectors over the next two decades. This evaluation includes the demand for refrigerants and their corresponding energy use. The plan maps out the available technologies that can fulfill these cooling requirements. This includes passive interventions, refrigerant-based technology, and other alternative methods such as not-in-kind technologies.
Moreover, the ICAP proposes interventions in each sector to ensure sustainable cooling and thermal comfort for all. It also emphasizes the skilling of Refrigeration and Air-Conditioning (RAC) service technicians as part of its strategies.
The plan aims to foster an innovative R&D ecosystem. This move encourages indigenous development of alternate technologies, further bolstering the nation’s capacity in this sector.
Environmental And Socio-Economic Benefits Of ICAP
ICAP strives to offer numerous environmental and socio-economic benefits. The most prominent among these is the provision of thermal comfort for all. Special focus is given to providing cooling for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low Income Group (LIG) housing.
Sustainability is another area where the plan seeks to make a difference. It endeavors to minimize greenhouse gas emissions related to cooling. This aligns perfectly with the global movement towards reducing our carbon footprint.
The plan also aims to double the income of farmers through a better cold chain infrastructure, thereby reducing waste and increasing the value of farmers’ produce.
Workforce Skilling And Indigenous Manufacturing
| Action | Impact |
|---|---|
| Skilling Workforce | Improves livelihoods and aids environmental protection |
| Domestic Manufacturing | Boosts “Make in India” initiative and supports local economies |
The skilling of the RAC service technicians forms a crucial part of the plan. A skilled workforce means better livelihoods, more efficiency in service delivery, and a positive impact on environmental protection. Meanwhile, the “Make in India” aspect of the plan focuses on the domestic manufacturing of air-conditioning and related cooling equipment.
Innovation And Compliance With Global Commitments
The ICAP places significant importance on research and development of alternative cooling technologies. The goal here is to ignite innovation in the cooling sector. This emphasis on R&D directly aligns with the aim of ICAP to bolster indigenous manufacturing.
It’s also vital to note that the development and execution of ICAP align with India’s commitment to international protocols including the Montreal Protocol, 1987 (for the reduction of ozone-depleting substances) and the Paris Agreement, 2015. This alignment ensures that while meeting its cooling needs, India also contributes effectively towards global climate change challenges.
