Syllabus: GS3/ Environment/ Energy and Infrastructure
Context
- In the backdrop of rising temperatures and rapid urbanisation, district cooling is emerging as a climate-responsive and urban planning solution aligned with India’s sustainability goals.
What is District Cooling?
- District cooling is a centralised system that supplies air-conditioning to multiple buildings through a network of insulated underground pipes.
- A central plant produces chilled water (around 6–7°C), which circulates to connected buildings.
- The water absorbs heat (returning at 12–14°C) and is re-cooled at the plant in a closed-loop system.
- Buildings receive “cooling as a service” and do not require individual chillers or cooling towers.
- Tariff structure generally includes:
- One-time connection charge,
- Fixed demand charge (based on reserved capacity),
- Variable consumption charge.
Environmental Benefits
- Large centralised chillers operate at much higher efficiency than individual building systems.
- Peak electricity demand can decline by 20–30%, easing grid stress during heatwaves. Greenhouse gas emissions can fall by 15–40% due to reduced electricity use.
- Refrigerant volumes in buildings can be reduced by up to 80%, lowering leakage risks and supporting India’s Kigali Amendment commitments under the Montreal Protocol.
Source: TH
