News & Media
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
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 is at a crossroads.
The Global South is at a crossroads.
The world is at a crossroads.
Crossroads is the India Energy & Climate Center Quarterly Newsletter, where we share the latest news, research and facts about the center
Crossroads 7
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.
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.
Crossroads 5
India is rapidly expanding its transmission network to meet the fast growing electricity demand: the Central Electricity Authority projects an expenditure of $50 Billion for the transmission system (including new lines, substations, etc.) during 2022-27.
