India Likely to Add 150 Million Room ACs by 2035 Amid Rising Temperatures: Study

Fastest-developing major economy can avoid severe power shortages and save consumers up to Rs 2.2 lakh crore by doubling energy efficiency of room ACs over the next 10 years

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NEW DELHI: India is expected to add 130-150 million new room air conditioners (ACs) over the next decade, which could increase the country's peak power demand by more than 180 gigawatts (GW) by 2035, straining the power system, according to a new study published on Wednesday.

The study by the India Energy and Climate Center (IECC) at the University of California (UC) in Berkeley said the fastest-developing major economy can avoid severe power shortages and save consumers up to Rs 2.2 lakh crore (USD 26 billion) by doubling the energy efficiency of room ACs over the next 10 years.

India adds 10-15 million new ACs annually, with another 130-150 million expected over the next decade. Without policy intervention, ACs alone could drive 120 GW of peak power demand by 2030 and 180 GW by 2035, nearly 30 per cent of the projected totals, the study said.