A new Indo-Norwegian project on sustainable cooling and heating, INDEE3, officially launched in September 2025 with a kick-off meeting in India. The four-year initiative, funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will continue through 2029. It builds on the outcomes of the previous INDEE+ project, aiming to expand the use of natural refrigerant technologies across India.
The project launch began with a two-day event at BITS Pilani on 15–16 September, where partners and industry stakeholders joined the Indo-Norwegian Innovation Forum. Participants shared project goals, previous case studies, and presented demonstration technologies currently installed in India. The second day featured a guided tour of a flake-ice machine using propane as a refrigerant. A compact version of this system could be used onboard small fishing vessels to maintain seafood quality.
From 17–19 September, the kick-off continued in New Delhi. Stakeholders, including the Norwegian Environment Agency (NEA), discussed the project structure and identified key challenges. The Policy Seminar held at the Norwegian Embassy on the afternoon of 17 September emphasized the importance of sustainable cooling and heating in India and aimed to strengthen partnerships between institutions.
The International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR) joined meetings on 18 September with Innovation Norway, SINTEF Ocean, and SINTEF Energy to explore future collaboration opportunities under the INDEE3 project.
Additionally, project representatives participated in Refcold 2025, held by ISHRAE on 18–19 October, to present project highlights, share recent findings, and outline the next strategic steps.
The INDEE3 initiative focuses on demonstrating natural refrigerant-based technologies, capacity building through training, and supporting policy development to promote sustainable cooling and heating in India.
