Air Conditioner Ownership Triples in India as Heat Rises, Says IEA

Air Conditioner Ownership Triples in India as Heat Rises, Says IEA

Asif Iqbal | October 24, 2023 | 09:46 PM IST | Breaking News | Follow on Google News

Air Conditioner Ownership Triples in India as Heat Rises, Says IEA.image/Shutterstock

According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), air conditioner ownership in India has grown threefold since 2010 to reach 24 units per 100 households due to increasing heat. This has led to a 21% increase in electricity consumption due to space cooling between 2019 and 2022. It is estimated that air conditioner ownership will expand ninefold by 2050, outpacing the growth of household appliances such as televisions, refrigerators, and washing machines. Nearly 10% of India’s electricity demand is now attributed to space cooling needs.

India has witnessed over 700 heatwave events in the past five decades, claiming over 17,000 lives. The geographic and meteorological conditions have fueled the steady rise in air conditioner ownership as incomes have grown. The IEA also noted a sharp increase in electricity consumption when temperatures rise above 25°C. In the future, India’s electricity demand from residential air conditioners may surpass the total consumption of the entire African continent.

However, the IEA highlighted that in India’s aspirational scenario of becoming carbon neutral by 2070, electricity demand for air conditioners could be nearly 15% lower in 2050 compared to the current policy scenario. This reduction is larger than the total electricity generation of some countries. Achieving this reduction would require the use of energy-efficient air conditioners and thermal insulation in buildings.

Implementation of building codes, efficient appliances, and demand response measures can help meet cooling needs with less energy in India’s aspirational policy scenarios. This would reduce the need for costly standby generation capacity and batteries, facilitating more cost-effective integration of renewable energy sources.The IEA’s analysis reflects India’s dynamic energy landscape, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities associated with meeting the country’s growing energy demand while striving for sustainability.

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Asif Iqbal

Asif Iqbal is a seasoned news writer with a passion for delivering the latest updates to the public. Currently serving as the senior writer at VoM News, a prominent news outlet known for its comprehensive coverage of diverse topics, Asif has established himself as a reliable source of information. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling, he consistently provides readers with well-crafted articles that cover a wide range of news categories. His dedication to journalistic integrity and his commitment to staying ahead of the news curve make him an invaluable asset to Vom News, ensuring that readers are always well-informed on the issues that matter most. You can find his work and stay updated on current events by visiting vomnews.in.