Tabreed and GIZ collaborate to promote energy-efficient cooling solutions

The alliance intends to expedite the adoption of energy-efficient district cooling and thermal storage systems in India, in accordance with the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution to the Paris Agreement.

Tabreed, the world’s leading district cooling firm, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) for the ‘Energy Efficient Cooling’ programme.

This effort is being executed simultaneously by GIZ and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to continue working jointly to catalyse the market and accelerate adoption of energy-efficient district cooling and thermal storage solutions in India. As such, it is consistent with the country’s Nationally Determined Contribution under the Paris Agreement to pursue a climate-friendly approach to growth.

Rising temperatures and increased air conditioner usage are expected to account for 60 percent of peak energy demand in India by 2050. Drawing on GIZ’s expertise in sustainable development strategies, particularly its collaboration with BEE on district cooling guidelines, and Tabreed’s extensive industry experience, the partnership aims to promote widespread adoption of energy-efficient district cooling systems in India in order to achieve sustainable and holistic economic and human development.

Tabreed and GIZ will work together to improve global and local expertise in three areas: facilitating bilateral government exchanges to strengthen national and regional policy frameworks for district cooling markets, democratizing Cooling as a Service through collaborative project development, and supporting initiatives to build human, institutional, and corporate capacities at regional, national, and local levels through innovative training workshops and exchange visits.

Sudheer Perla, Managing Director, Tabreed Asia, said: “Over the past five years, Tabreed has steadfastly pursued the development of district cooling markets in India. Tabreed, in a joint venture with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), established an investment platform, committing to invest up to $400 million in India and Southeast Asia. This partnership with GIZ marks a significant milestone in our ongoing endeavors to establish planet-inclusive cooling solutions as a mainstream choice in India.”

Nitin Jain, Programme Head, Energy-Efficient Cooling (EE Cool), said: “For several years, we have collaborated closely with BEE in India to champion energy-efficient solutions in industries, buildings, and cooling. Together, we have undertaken numerous initiatives to further this goal, including the recent launch of district cooling guidelines. Against this backdrop, our partnership with Tabreed couldn’t have come at a better time. As India strides toward a sustainable future with a bold vision for sustainability, the role of district cooling becomes more pivotal than ever.”

Commenting on the partnership, Arijit Sengupta, Director, BEE, said: “Our collective aim is to forge a path towards sustainable cooling solutions that mitigate the environmental impact while simultaneously driving economic growth and societal well-being. GIZ and Tabreed, by combining expertise and resources, envision implementing innovative strategies through district cooling that optimize energy usage, reduce carbon emissions, and ensure access to efficient cooling services across diverse sectors and communities.”