According to a report titled ‘Climate Investment Opportunities in India’s Cooling Sector’ published by the World Bank Group, investment opportunities in India’s cooling sector, utilizing less carbon-intensive technologies, could accumulate up to $1.6 trillion. This article explores further key highlights of the report and potential solutions proposed.
Analysis of the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP)
The report scrutinized the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP), initiated in 2019, providing recommendations for prioritizing government investment opportunities in the cooling sector. The focus was not air conditioning as only an estimated 40% of Indians will have access to it by 2040. For the remaining population, passive cooling technologies are being emphasized.
Investment Opportunities and Potential Employment
According to the report, investment opportunities across construction, cold chains, and refrigerants could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and also create almost 3.7 million jobs. However, there is a cautionary note – around 34 million people might face job loss due to heat stress-induced productivity decline.
Projected Increase in Heat Stress
The report emphasizes that the world, including India, is heading towards more intense heat waves due to a projected two-three degree rise in temperatures, leading to increased heat stress.
Recommended Sustainable Solutions
Sustainable space cooling solutions could cut annual GHG emissions by 213 metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent by 2040. This can be achieved by enhancing the efficiency of cooling technologies like air conditioners, ceiling fans, and chillers, which could save 30% energy by 2037-38.
Passive Cooling Strategies: A Necessity
The implementation of passive cooling strategies in urban buildings could lower energy usage by 20-30% by 2038. A mere one-degree Celsius reduction in building temperature could decrease peak electricity demand for cooling by 2-4%.
Thermal Comfort: An Integral Part of Government’s Affordable Housing Program
The report recommends the integration of a thermal comfort program in the government’s affordable housing initiative, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY). Passive cooling technologies can benefit over 11 million urban households and 29 million rural homes planned under this scheme.
District Cooling Systems (DCS): A More Efficient Cooling Method
District Cooling Systems, which are centralized cooling methods for building clusters, offer higher efficiency than individual building cooling systems. The report advises making DCS mandatory for high-density real estate complexes.
Improving Cold Chain and Refrigeration
Concessional finance from Multilateral Development Banks such as the World Bank could be employed in strategies to eliminate gaps in cold chain distribution networks. This would help cut food loss by approximately 76% and reduce carbon emissions by 16%.
The India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) Explained
ICAP aims to designate “cooling and related areas” as pivotal research areas under the National S&T Programme. Its objective is to decrease nationwide cooling demand by 25% by 2037-38 and cut cooling energy requirements by 25-40% during the same period. It also endeavors to provide training and certification for 1,00,000 servicing sector technicians by 2022-23, complementing the Skill India Mission.
ICAP emphasizes providing cooling for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and Low-Income Group (LIG) housing in alignment with the Montreal Protocol. Consequently, it aims to reduce elements depleting the ozone layer and strives to provide sustainable cooling and thermal comfort for all while ensuring environmental and socio-economic benefits for society.
Last Modified: February 20, 2024