The Indian central government and industry have come together to develop a smart cooling solution to ensure a minimum AC temperature of 20 degrees Celsius in the country. This move aims to reduce energy consumption, reduce carbon footprint, and promote a healthier and more comfortable environment for citizens across the country.

The initiative, launched by the central government, involves partnering with industry experts, startups, and research institutions to develop innovative cooling solutions that are energy-efficient, cost-effective, and environment-friendly. Some of the key areas of focus include:

1. Smart AC systems: Developing advanced air conditioning systems that can operate at lower temperatures while maintaining optimal energy efficiency.
2. Cooling materials: Exploring new materials that can help reduce the need for air conditioning, such as phase-change materials, evaporative cooling systems, and reflective coatings.
3. Urban planning: Designing cities and buildings in a way that minimizes the need for air conditioning, such as green spaces, landscaping, and clever building orientation.
4. Space cooling: Developing solutions for cooling different types of public spaces, such as markets, bus stations, and parks.
5. Industry-academe partnership: Engaging with academic and research institutions to develop new cooling technologies and materials.

Industry players like Rehaa, a startup that has developed a wearable air conditioner, and ADDO Italia, a company that has designed a smart window with a built-in cooling system, are already working with the government to develop these solutions.

The government has also set up a task force, comprising experts from various industries, to further support the development of smart cooling solutions. This task force will identify innovative solutions, provide funding and resources, and create a framework for implementation.

The initiative aims to make a significant impact on India’s energy consumption, which is expected to increase by 42% by 2030. The use of ACs is a significant contributor to this growth, with India being one of the world’s largest consumers of energy for air conditioning. By developing smart cooling solutions, the country can reduce its energy consumption, reduce carbon emissions, and create a more sustainable and comfortable living environment for its citizens.

The initiative is expected to benefit not only the government but also the industry, which will have access to new technologies and innovations that can be integrated into their products and services. The move is seen as a step towards the country’s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and meeting the targets set out in the Paris Agreement.