Industry leaders have called for cooling security to become a national priority in India as rising temperatures, urban growth and increasing electricity demand reshape the country’s infrastructure needs.
The call came during a Grundfos-led roundtable at ISHRAE CoOL Conclave 3.0 in Coimbatore, where policymakers, utilities, developers, academics, sustainability experts and technology providers discussed the role of district cooling in India’s future cities.
The discussion focused on how India can meet growing demand for cooling while supporting energy security, sustainable urbanisation and the country’s wider Viksit Bharat 2047 ambition.
Participants agreed that cooling can no longer be treated as a building-level technology choice. Instead, they said it should be recognised as essential infrastructure linked to public health, productivity, urban resilience and long-term energy planning.
Cooling Demand Becomes An Energy Security Issue
India’s cooling demand is rising quickly as incomes grow, cities expand and temperatures increase. The International Energy Agency has warned that nighttime cooling demand is becoming an important electricity security issue for India, particularly as solar power cannot contribute after sunset.
According to the IEA, India’s cooling demand is expected to more than double by 2035 under today’s policy settings. Cooling already accounts for slightly more than 10% of India’s annual electricity demand and can represent a much higher share during hot summer nights.
Roundtable participants said this means energy security and cooling security are becoming inseparable. Reliable, affordable and sustainable cooling will be increasingly important for homes, hospitals, commercial districts, campuses, industrial zones and new urban developments.
“India’s cooling challenge is also one of India’s greatest opportunities,” said Ronak Monga, Global Sales Development Director, District Energy, Grundfos.
District Cooling Seen As Strategic Infrastructure
District cooling systems produce chilled water at a central plant and distribute it to multiple buildings through a network of insulated pipes. This can reduce the need for individual building-level cooling systems and improve overall efficiency through centralised operations, load diversity, thermal energy storage and optimised equipment use.
Participants said district cooling could help reduce peak electricity demand, lower operating costs, reduce maintenance requirements and extend equipment life. The model can also reduce the amount of electrical infrastructure needed for large developments.
The approach is already recognised in India’s national cooling policy. The Government of India’s India Cooling Action Plan sets out a long-term framework for sustainable cooling across buildings, cold chains, transport and industry.
The UN Environment Programme has also highlighted district cooling as one of the technologies that could support sustainable cooling in India’s fast-growing cities.
Cooling And Water Planning Need To Work Together
The roundtable also highlighted the importance of linking cooling infrastructure with water management. Participants discussed the potential for treated wastewater and recycled water to be used in district cooling systems, helping reduce pressure on freshwater resources.
This connection is becoming more important as cities face both water stress and higher cooling demand. Integrated planning across water, energy and cooling infrastructure could help cities improve resource efficiency while reducing environmental impact.
“District cooling is not simply a cooling solution. It is a strategic infrastructure investment that can strengthen energy security, improve resource efficiency, support sustainable urban growth, and help India progress towards its Viksit Bharat 2047 vision,” said Monga.
Policy And Planning Barriers Remain
Despite the technical case for district cooling, participants said adoption in India remains limited. The barriers are no longer mainly technological. Instead, the roundtable identified policy alignment, institutional coordination, awareness and long-term planning as the key issues.
Participants called for district cooling feasibility assessments to become a standard part of planning for greenfield cities, large mixed-use developments, industrial townships, campuses and major infrastructure projects.
They also identified several policy measures that could accelerate adoption, including recognition of district cooling as a public utility, clearer tariff structures, rights-of-way for distribution infrastructure, support for feasibility studies and incentives for domestic manufacturing.
Speakers said stronger Indian case studies will also be needed to demonstrate measurable outcomes, including energy savings, water benefits, infrastructure optimisation, operational performance and long-term economic value.
Collaboration Needed To Scale Adoption
The roundtable concluded that no single organisation can drive large-scale cooling transformation alone. Progress will require cooperation between national ministries, state governments, municipal authorities, utilities, developers, industry bodies, investors, technology providers, academia and international organisations.
Participants agreed that India’s district cooling journey remains at an early stage, but said the foundations for growth are emerging. With coordinated policy support, better data and long-term urban planning, district cooling could become an important part of India’s future-ready city infrastructure.
FAQs
What is cooling security?
Cooling security means ensuring reliable, affordable and sustainable access to cooling for homes, businesses, public services and critical infrastructure, especially during extreme heat and periods of high electricity demand.
What is district cooling?
District cooling uses a central plant to produce chilled water, which is distributed to multiple buildings through insulated pipes. It can improve energy efficiency and reduce peak electricity demand compared with individual cooling systems.
Why is district cooling important for India?
India’s cooling demand is rising because of urbanisation, higher temperatures and increasing living standards. District cooling can help reduce pressure on the power grid while supporting sustainable urban development.
How does district cooling connect to water management?
District cooling systems can potentially use treated wastewater or recycled water, reducing pressure on freshwater supplies and supporting more integrated water and energy planning.
What needs to happen for district cooling to scale in India?
Industry leaders say India will need clearer policy support, early-stage planning requirements, utility recognition, tariff clarity, rights-of-way for infrastructure and stronger local case studies.
