Cooling without power overload

How we scale cooling today will determine whether we merely survive the heat or thrive

- HIMANSHU DIXIT DISHA AGARWAL

INDIA IS FACING a summer of extremes. Delhi is sweltering in heat and humidity with temperatures regularly crossing 40°C even as it grapples with occasional thunderstorms. Keeping the erratic nature of this summer aside, a recent analysis by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) found that 57% of Indian districts, home to over three-fourths of the population, now face high to very high heat risk. The occurrences of very warm nights are rising faster than hot days, and humidity is up 10% in parts of north India. This mix is driving a rapid surge in the demand for cooling—from air-conditioners (ACs) to coolers and fans. This has serious implications for power demand, grid stability, and building climate resilience.