Regional Workshop on Cooling India’s Cities in Vijayawada

Cooling is critical for Andhra Pradesh, which endures South India’s highest number of heatwave days. District Cooling Systems (DCS) offer a centralised approach to cooling energy production and distribution, enhancing energy efficiency, enabling renewable energy use, and integrating technologies like Sewage Treatment Plants and Waste-to-Energy facilities. These systems reduce resource waste and environmental impact while promoting sustainable urban cooling.

The Regional Workshop convened stakeholders from across Andhra Pradesh to explore the implementation of DCS, particularly in the planned capital city of Amaravati, which could attract significant district cooling investments. The workshop, part of a GIZ-Tabreed MoU under India’s Energy Efficiency Cooling programme, underscored the transformative potential of DCS. 30% of participants were women, highlighting the critical role of diverse perspectives in driving progress toward energy efficiency and sustainable cooling solutions.

A key highlight was the launch of the report Andhra Pradesh’s $5 Billion Energy Transition – Investment Opportunity through District Cooling. This report outlines DCS’s ability to foster a circular approach to urban cooling and positions Andhra Pradesh as a pioneer in sustainable energy solutions.

Under the leadership of the Hon. Chief Minister, Andhra Pradesh signed India’s first Public-Private Partnership with Tabreed in 2019. This agreement targets the development of a 20,000 RT DCS for Amaravati’s government complex, projected to reduce cooling energy demand by 50%. By scaling this model across high-density areas, Andhra Pradesh could unlock $4 billion in investments, decrease power demand by 1.8 GW, and cut carbon emissions by 2.6 million tonnes.

These initiatives demonstrate the state’s commitment to combating climate challenges while fostering economic growth through innovative, sustainable, and inclusive approaches to energy and cooling systems.

Find the link to report here: https://iki-india.com/public/index.php/1727691362_Amaravati%20DCS%20Report_web.pdf

For more information, contact Ms. Lena Kliesch, lena.kliesch(at)giz.de.