A new study from CLASP finds that doubling the energy efficiency of cooling appliances in India, Indonesia, and Nigeria by 2030 could significantly reduce costs, expand access, and improve climate resilience. The report, Bridging the Cooling Gap: Energy Efficiency as a Driver for Appliance Access, highlights the impact of energy-efficient fans, refrigerators, and air conditioners on both consumers and national energy systems.
The research projects that by 2050, increasing the efficiency of key appliances could reduce their total cost of ownership by up to 60%. This includes a 60% drop for air conditioners and refrigerators, and 58% for fans. These savings would come from lower purchase and operating costs, contributing to an estimated $105 billion USD in annual consumer savings by mid-century.
Efficiency improvements could enable an additional 510 million people to access cooling appliances in the three countries. The study also estimates that more than 420,000 premature heat-related deaths could be avoided due to improved indoor temperatures and resilience to extreme heat events.
The total energy consumption of residential cooling appliances could be cut by more than half compared to a business-as-usual trajectory. This reduction would support national climate goals, enhance energy security, and reduce pressure on electricity grids.
To achieve these gains, the report calls for increased investment in research and development, the introduction of innovative financing models, and policy measures such as reduced import tariffs and public procurement programs. It also advocates for expanding decentralized energy access through solar home systems and mini-grids to serve rural and low-income populations.
"Doubling appliance efficiency is a win-win strategy for consumers and the climate," said Christine Egan, CEO of CLASP. "It lowers costs, reduces emissions, and helps millions of people access life-saving cooling technologies."