India Raises AC Efficiency Amid Growing Demand
India is facing hotter summers and more frequent heatwaves, making cooling essential for millions of households. About 110 million room air conditioners (ACs) are already in use in the country, which is expected to add another 130–150 million units over the next decade, making it one of the fastest-growing cooling markets in the world. The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts a ninefold rise in home AC ownership in the country by 2050. This growth could increase peak power demand by more than 180 gigawatts (GW) by 2035, putting significant strain on the power system.
Yet access to cooling remains highly unequal. Only about 8% of India’s 300 million households own an AC, with higher-income urban families accounting for most of this group. Rural AC ownership remains at around 1%, and the richest 10% of households hold the majority of ACs.
Why efficiency matters
Without stronger energy efficiency standards, the growth in AC ownership will lock in high energy use, drive up emissions, and increase household energy costs. Efficient ACs reduce electricity consumption, lower peak demand on the grid, and make cooling more affordable.
India’s energy labeling program has already helped buyers choose better-performing ACs and has shaped the market toward higher efficiency, but more can be done.
India’s new room AC efficiency standards
To meet the rising cooling demand, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in India has approved stringent efficiency standards for room ACs, effective January 2026, with further revisions in 2028, which will put India’s standards at global best levels. The standards establish minimum efficiency levels that appliances must meet, encouraging the use of more energy-efficient models.
By 2030, the new efficiency standards could reduce India’s peak electricity load by 8–10 GW, avoiding the need for more than 20 large coal power plants. Consumers could collectively save $12 billion on electricity bills annually, making cooling more affordable, especially for low and middle-income households. At the same time, they could help the country avoid up to 12 megatons (Mt) of CO₂ emissions annually.
India’s efficiency journey
The BEE has led India’s AC efficiency journey for nearly two decades. It introduced the star labeling system for room air conditioners in 2006 to remove inefficient appliances from the market and enable informed decision-making for consumers who might purchase high-efficiency products. Since then, baseline standards have been periodically tightened, resulting in a 43% energy efficiency improvement in ACs sold in the country. Inverter ACs, which are more energy-efficient, now dominate the domestic market, and companies have adopted a default temperature of 24°C to save energy.
These standards advance the goals of the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP), which targets a 20–25% reduction in cooling demand by 2037–38 through efficient appliances, sustainable refrigerants, and improved building design.
By promoting efficient cooling, India is managing energy use, strengthening resilience against extreme heat, protecting public health, and creating jobs in manufacturing, testing, and supply chains.
Data-driven support for stronger standards
CLASP supported BEE by providing robust, evidence-based analysis to ensure that the new standards are both ambitious and achievable. It built clear evidence through product tests and an analysis of the Indian market, demonstrating that upgraded standards were both technically achievable and practical. It conducted affordability and feasibility studies and reviewed global pricing trends. It also assessed the financial performance of publicly listed companies and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The analysis confirmed that higher efficiency was financially viable. By providing this evidence, CLASP helped ensure that the revised standards are technically sound, cost-effective, and aligned with India’s goals of reducing electricity demand, emissions, and consumer costs.
India’s approach shows that fast-growing economies can expand access to cooling without harming the environment. Higher efficiency will also spur the adoption of next-generation ACs, creating new jobs in manufacturing, design, and testing, and contributing to economic growth.
Accelerating India’s Shift to Clean Cooking
CLASP participated in the fourth Modern Energy Cooking Forum (MECF 2025) in New Delhi on 26 September. The event brought together diverse stakeholders to work towards integrating electric cooking (e-cooking) into India’s energy and climate policies.
Efficient cooking advances health, equity, and climate goals
Globally, more than 2 billion people still rely on polluting fuels like wood, charcoal, kerosene, or coal as their main cooking fuel1. In India, about 54% of households use traditional solid fuels, either as their main source of energy or alongside liquefied petroleum gas, contributing significantly to indoor air pollution2. Dependence on solid fuels negatively impacts people’s quality of life. It harms people’s health through exposure to smoke and pollutants, and it also limits productivity and keeps households trapped in a never-ending cycle of labor-intensive chores.
Improving household access to e-cooking helps address these challenges while advancing energy and climate goals. Shifting to cleaner, more efficient electric cooking can help reduce respiratory illness symptoms and other health impacts, save households time and money, while freeing up hours spent on fuel collection and cooking. From a climate perspective, the widespread adoption of e-cooking can reduce emissions from the residential energy sector and contribute to India’s decarbonization goals.
CLASP supports India's shift to clean cooking
At MECF 2025, Neha Dhingra, CLASP’s Director, India, shared CLASP’s approach for accelerating India’s clean cooking transition. The approach focuses on market-shaping activities:
- Policy and institutional collaborations: CLASP has a longstanding relationship with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and will continue working with government stakeholders to align policies, standards, and procurement with clean cooking solutions. These collaborations are critical to ensuring that solutions are available and supported by national policies.
- Evidence and risk reduction: By providing robust appliance performance data and consumer insights, CLASP helps policymakers, financiers, and companies make informed investments in e-cooking.
- Consumer awareness and demand: CLASP will continue supporting campaigns that highlight the tangible benefits of e-cooking, from household savings to improved air quality and safer kitchens.
Photo by Finovista.
Left to right: Sheetal Rastogi, Director and Co-founder of Finovista, Dr. Nick Rousseau, International Liason Manager at MECS Programme, and Neha Dhingra, Director at CLASP.
Photo by Finovista.
Neha Dhingra, Director at CLASP, presents CLASP's approach for scaling clean cooking in India at the Modern Energy Cooking Forum (MECF) 2025 in New Delhi.
Photo by Finovista.
Sumedha Awasthy, Senior Associate at CLASP, showcases CLASP's clean cooking initiatives at MECF 2025.
Photo by Finovista.
Jatin Mathur, Associate at CLASP, speaks in a session on research in clean cooking at MECF 2025.
“Through MECS, we see opportunities for Indian companies to grow in the domestic market and expand into new markets globally. CLASP is excited to help fill gaps where we can, and ensure that together, we accelerate the transition to efficient e-cooking in India and beyond.”
Neha Dhingra
Director, India (CLASP)
With this approach, CLASP aims to ensure that clean cooking appliances are available, but also affordable, trusted, and widely adopted. Through our partnership with MECS and in collaboration with local partners like Finovista, CLASP will provide venture-building support to Indian manufacturers, help identify high-growth opportunities, refine business models, and develop strategic connections with funders and partners.
CLASP’s Sumedha Awasthy (Senior Associate, Clean Energy Access) and Jatin Mathur (Associate, Clean Energy Access) also contributed to a special session on research and innovation in e-cooking, demonstrating how policy, finance, and market-building can speed up the shift. Their presentation highlighted initiatives such as the Global Leap Awards and the Institutional E-Cooking Demo.
The opportunity for India to scale efficient e-cooking
With universal electricity access3 and a strong cooking appliance industry, India is well-positioned to scale domestic adoption and tap into international markets. CLASP is committed to working alongside partners in India and beyond to ensure that affordable, efficient, clean cooking solutions reach households that need it most. By further improving standards and policies, building markets, and implementing consumer-centric approaches, India can turn MECF’s momentum into lasting impact.
About the Modern Energy Cooking Forum (MECF)
MECF is hosted by Finovista and the Modern Energy Cooking Services (MECS) programme. This year’s forum strengthened its role as a key platform driving India’s clean cooking dialogue and strategy since 2022. MECF 2025 was supported by NITI Aayog, the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, Energy Efficiency Services Limited, and the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet.
Discussions focused on decarbonizing the cooking sector, equity, state-level programs, financing, and demand-side challenges and opportunities to scale up e-cooking. A highlight of the forum was the Innovation Pavilion, where new technologies were showcased through live cooking demonstrations for diverse consumer segments.
0. International Energy Agency, “Access to Clean Cooking”. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
1. Modern Energy Cooking Services programme, “The Green Shift in Clean Cooking Fuel in India”, 18 May 2023. https://mecs.org.uk/blog/the-green-shift-in-clean-cooking-fuel-in-india/
2. International Energy Agency, “Electricity access continues to improve in 2024 – after first global setback in decades”, 5 November 2024. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
Doubling Energy Efficiency with Appliances
Appliance efficiency could provide roughly one fifth of the reduction in energy demand needed to meet a pivotal climate commitment, according to CLASP’s analysis “Doubling Energy Efficiency with Appliances: How governments can leverage appliances to reach climate targets”. With nearly 110 countries pledging at COP28 to double annual energy efficiency improvements by 2030, more ambitious appliance policies are critical to reaching this goal before the narrow window for net zero by mid-century closes.
Key Findings
- To get on track for net zero emissions by mid-century, the average global annual rate of improvement in energy intensity must double to at least 4% by 2030. Appliance efficiency can deliver approximately 20% of the total reduction in energy demand required to meet this goal.
- Brazil, China, India, and Indonesia have recently taken significant steps to integrate appliance efficiency into their national strategies, recognizing its critical role in achieving energy and climate goals.
Recommendations
- Policymakers must rapidly implement stringent minimum efficiency standards for appliances, ensuring that they meet or exceed the best standards currently in place. Countries with world-leading standards should increase them further to reflect the levels of today’s best available technologies.
- Governments need to embed clear, measurable appliance efficiency targets into their national climate goals. They must also track progress with standardized metrics to stay on course to meet the doubling efficiency goal.
- All stakeholders across government, industry, and civil society must strengthen international and cross-sectoral collaboration to accelerate global energy efficiency gains. This cost-effective approach includes sharing technical expertise, conducting joint market surveillance, and harmonizing standards to overcome common barriers.
0. International Energy Agency, “Access to Clean Cooking”. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
1. Modern Energy Cooking Services programme, “The Green Shift in Clean Cooking Fuel in India”, 18 May 2023. https://mecs.org.uk/blog/the-green-shift-in-clean-cooking-fuel-in-india/
2. International Energy Agency, “Electricity access continues to improve in 2024 – after first global setback in decades”, 5 November 2024. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
Ceiling Fan Market Transformation in India
Ceiling fans are among the most ubiquitous appliances in Indian homes, with over 90% of households relying on them as the primary source of cooling, especially in low-income and rural areas. They account for approximately 40% of residential electricity consumption. However, about 97% of these fans are not energy efficient, resulting in higher electricity consumption, increased household energy bills, and elevated emissions associated with cooling.
Within market transformation, bulk procurement programs are powerful tools for transforming markets by accelerating the availability, adoption, and affordability of energy-efficient technologies. This report analyzes a case study of a bulk procurement program in India’s ceiling fan sector, focusing on its outcomes, successes, and lessons learnt.
0. International Energy Agency, “Access to Clean Cooking”. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
1. Modern Energy Cooking Services programme, “The Green Shift in Clean Cooking Fuel in India”, 18 May 2023. https://mecs.org.uk/blog/the-green-shift-in-clean-cooking-fuel-in-india/
2. International Energy Agency, “Electricity access continues to improve in 2024 – after first global setback in decades”, 5 November 2024. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
India
0. International Energy Agency, “Access to Clean Cooking”. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
1. Modern Energy Cooking Services programme, “The Green Shift in Clean Cooking Fuel in India”, 18 May 2023. https://mecs.org.uk/blog/the-green-shift-in-clean-cooking-fuel-in-india/
2. International Energy Agency, “Electricity access continues to improve in 2024 – after first global setback in decades”, 5 November 2024. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
India Unveils 18 New Appliance Efficiency Policies
In a landmark year for energy policy, India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), with support from CLASP, advanced 18 appliance efficiency regulations in 2024. This is a testimony to the country’s fast-paced policymaking and strong national commitment to appliance efficiency as a key lever for climate action and energy security.
Fast-paced policymaking to meet urgent needs
As India undergoes rapid urbanization and industrial growth, the demand for appliances is surging. Left unchecked, this growth could place immense pressure on the power grid and accelerate emissions. Recognizing this, the government prioritized improvements that directly address the rising energy demand from homes, commercial spaces, and industry.
18 new policies – large emissions cuts and cost savings
CLASP advocates for appliance efficiency which ensures that everyday products from refrigerators and fans to inverters and TVs consume less energy while delivering the same or better performance. This is critical in a country like India, where millions of households are purchasing new appliances for the first time. By using higher effiicency appliances, India is building a more resilient energy system, reducing energy bills for consumers, and cutting emissions at scale.
The cumulative effect of these 2024 policies is significant. By 2030, they are expected to save over 180 terawatt hours (TWh) of electricity and avoid nearly 146 megatons (Mt) of CO₂ emissions.
Standouts include policies covering:
- Packaged boilers, commercial beverage coolers, solar inverters, and refrigerant compressors, which are collectively estimated to save 32.2 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity and avoid 24 megatons (Mt) of CO₂ emissions.
- Ceiling fans, a widely used appliance that will now become more efficient, saving 35.9 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity and avoiding 29 megatons (Mt) of CO₂ emissions.
Full list of 2024 appliance policies:
- Room air conditioners (RAC) (fixed speed-split and window)
Improving appliance efficiency across states
CLASP has also been working closely with the State Designated Agencies (SDAs) in Odisha and Kerala to support the implementation of India’s national appliance efficiency policies. By strengthening the adoption and enforcement of BEE’s Standards & Labeling program at the state level, CLASP is helping ensure that the benefits of energy-efficient appliances reach households and industries across these regions.
Aligning with CLASP’s global mission
Emissions reductions and energy savings not only bolster India’s energy security and climate goals but also resonate with CLASP’s global mission to advance appliance efficiency for people and the planet. By supporting national institutions like BEE in strengthening appliance efficiency policies, CLASP continues to catalyze transformative, long-lasting change.
0. International Energy Agency, “Access to Clean Cooking”. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
1. Modern Energy Cooking Services programme, “The Green Shift in Clean Cooking Fuel in India”, 18 May 2023. https://mecs.org.uk/blog/the-green-shift-in-clean-cooking-fuel-in-india/
2. International Energy Agency, “Electricity access continues to improve in 2024 – after first global setback in decades”, 5 November 2024. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
Maximizing Motor Efficiency to Minimize Emissions
Electric motors transform electrical energy into mechanical energy, powering everything from household appliances to equipment in commercial buildings and industrial facilities. They are essential components of electric motor-driven systems (EMDS), which currently account for around 30% of global electricity demand4.
Industrial motors, in particular, are the main drivers behind increasing global demand for electricity5, with approximately 65% of industry’s electricity consumption powering motor-driven systems6. Yet, despite their crucial role, many motors and motor systems are outdated and inefficient. The International Energy Agency reports that low efficiency motors represent two-thirds of the current global stock7. This contributes heavily to energy waste and increasing carbon emissions.
Looking ahead, CLASP’s initiatives in China, the European Union, India, and the United States aim to avoid up to nine gigatons of CO2 emissions by 2050.
Improving the energy efficiency of electric motors and EMDS presents significant potential for reducing electricity demand and curbing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. By partnering with national stakeholders to raise standards, implementing replacement incentive programs, and promoting cross-sector collaboration, CLASP is driving global efforts to unlock this potential.
CLASP’s global efforts to make motors more efficient
In Brazil, a partnership between CLASP and the Ministry of Mines and Energy is paving the way for an ambitious new regulatory agenda. This aims to establish the country’s first-ever efficiency standards for pumps and air compressors by 2027. Setting minimum efficiency standards helps phase out the least efficient models and prevents businesses from getting stuck with outdated, energy-wasting technologies. CLASP will continue working closely with the Ministry to help ensure the timely completion of the regulatory agenda and the implementation of key policies in the next two years.
Meanwhile, China is making significant strides in industrial efficiency and the potential benefits of improving motor efficiency are immense. Motors represent 55% of the country’s total energy consumption and 75% of its industrial energy use8. Since 2023, CLASP has supported the China National Institute of Standardization in developing two new efficiency standards for high-voltage induction motors and permanent magnet synchronous motors. These new standards are expected to cut 920 megatons of CO2 emissions by 2040. They will also position China as the first country to adopt a policy exceeding the world’s most energy-efficient motor standard, IE5, setting a new benchmark for global industrial standards.
Motors account for over 50% of India’s industrial electricity consumption9. CLASP is supporting the Bureau of Energy Efficiency in strengthening efficiency standards for three-phase induction motors and providing technical assistance for a new labeling program for single-phase induction motors to meet growing demand. Together, the labeling programs for three-phase and single-phase induction motors are expected to save approximately 30.1 terawatt hours of electricity and reduce 23.83 megatons of CO2 emissions, contributing significantly to India’s energy efficiency and climate goals.
CLASP, in partnership with SAMA^Verte, is helping build a competitive, sustainable motor industry in Pakistan. Through the Industry Accelerator program, local manufacturers gain access to technical expertise and resources to produce high-efficiency components for electric motors. The program strengthens the local manufacturing sector by reducing dependency on imports and enabling businesses to expand their market share. For industries that rely on these motors, the shift toward high-efficiency components translates into lower energy costs and reduced emissions. By 2050, the program is expected to reduce 12.8 megatons of CO2 emissions and improve motor efficiency by 10%.
These initiatives, along with CLASP’s upcoming projects in other countries, will help reduce global energy consumption, increase industrial energy efficiency, and support industry in shifting to more environmentally-friendly processes. CLASP collaborates with policymakers, industry leaders, and other experts to create a more sustainable future for people and the planet.
Are you interested in driving industrial innovation in your region? Connect with CLASP to explore collaboration opportunities.
0. International Energy Agency, “Access to Clean Cooking”. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
1. Modern Energy Cooking Services programme, “The Green Shift in Clean Cooking Fuel in India”, 18 May 2023. https://mecs.org.uk/blog/the-green-shift-in-clean-cooking-fuel-in-india/
2. International Energy Agency, “Electricity access continues to improve in 2024 – after first global setback in decades”, 5 November 2024. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
3. International Energy Agency “World Energy Outlook 2019” https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/98909c1b-aabc-4797-9926-35307b418cdb/WEO2019-free.pdf
4. International Energy Agency “World Energy Outlook 2019” https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/98909c1b-aabc-4797-9926-35307b418cdb/WEO2019-free.pdf
5. International Energy Agency “World Energy Outlook 2023” https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/86ede39e-4436-42d7-ba2a-edf61467e070/WorldEnergyOutlook2023.pdf
6. International Energy Agency “World Energy Outlook 2019” https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/98909c1b-aabc-4797-9926-35307b418cdb/WEO2019-free.pdf
7. International Copper Association “ICA China Motor Program: 20 Years of Promoting Energy Efficiency” https://internationalcopper.org/resource/ica-china-motor-program-20-years-of-promoting-energy-efficiency/
8. International Copper Association India “Energy Efficient Motors” https://copperindia.org/energy-efficient-motors/
Neha Dhingra Promoted to Director of CLASP’s India Program
CLASP is thrilled to announce Neha Dhingra as the India program Director. In this role, Neha will lead a team advancing CLASP’s engagement in India to improve appliance energy efficiency for climate mitigation and improved access to energy services. Her leadership marks a new chapter in CLASP’s two-decade long journey in India; where CLASP collaborates with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and other partners to promote appliance efficiency as a way to reduce climate emissions and improve lives.
Neha’s journey at CLASP
Neha joined CLASP in January 2013 and has been instrumental in shaping and scaling CLASP’s initiatives, as CLASP’s India office grew to 15 team members. She has led transformative projects to improve the energy efficiency of numerous appliances and cooling systems. She also contributes to market transformation and supports policy development in collaboration with policymakers and other stakeholders. Neha has also led energy efficiency projects and programs across West Africa and South East Asia.
“We are thrilled to announce Neha’s promotion as Director of the India program. Her vast expertise and dedication to CLASP’s mission have driven remarkable progress,” said Christine Egan, CLASP’s Chief Executive Officer. “It’s gratifying to recognize talent within our team, and Neha’s leadership and dedication make her promotion well-deserved.”
India is key
India is central to CLASP’s global efforts to combat climate change and promote improved access to energy services. “I look forward to supporting and collaborating with Neha as she drives the next phase of impactful work in India,” said Bishal Thapa, CLASP’s Chief Strategy and Impacts Officer.
Neha’s expertise and vision have been pivotal to the success of landmark projects, such as the scaling of energy-efficient fans and cooling technologies that have improved the lives of millions and directly contributed to advancing India’s ambitious climate goals. CLASP’s work in India reflects a broader global commitment to solve the world’s most pressing, interconnected crises: the climate emergency, poverty, inequality, and access to energy.
0. International Energy Agency, “Access to Clean Cooking”. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
1. Modern Energy Cooking Services programme, “The Green Shift in Clean Cooking Fuel in India”, 18 May 2023. https://mecs.org.uk/blog/the-green-shift-in-clean-cooking-fuel-in-india/
2. International Energy Agency, “Electricity access continues to improve in 2024 – after first global setback in decades”, 5 November 2024. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
3. International Energy Agency “World Energy Outlook 2019” https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/98909c1b-aabc-4797-9926-35307b418cdb/WEO2019-free.pdf
4. International Energy Agency “World Energy Outlook 2019” https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/98909c1b-aabc-4797-9926-35307b418cdb/WEO2019-free.pdf
5. International Energy Agency “World Energy Outlook 2023” https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/86ede39e-4436-42d7-ba2a-edf61467e070/WorldEnergyOutlook2023.pdf
6. International Energy Agency “World Energy Outlook 2019” https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/98909c1b-aabc-4797-9926-35307b418cdb/WEO2019-free.pdf
7. International Copper Association “ICA China Motor Program: 20 Years of Promoting Energy Efficiency” https://internationalcopper.org/resource/ica-china-motor-program-20-years-of-promoting-energy-efficiency/
8. International Copper Association India “Energy Efficient Motors” https://copperindia.org/energy-efficient-motors/
Powering Inclusion in India’s Energy Sector
Around the world, women make up only 32% of the renewable energy workforce, in India this figure is just 11%. To speak to this topic, CLASP hosted an event in New Delhi, to shine a light on the strategic benefit of increasing equity and inclusion in India’s energy sector. The first-of-its-kind event, titled “Equity Surge: Powering Inclusion in India’s Energy Sector”, brought together respected leaders and experts to delve into the various facets of gender inclusion and its impact on India’s energy transition.
The first discussion, moderated by Neha Dhingra, Senior Manager at CLASP, shed light on the evolving landscape of India’s energy sector and the pivotal role women play within it. Speakers, including Ruchika Drall from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ramila Vyas from People Education & Development Organization, Mandira Kalra Kalaan from Purpose, and Leher Sethi from the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs, Delhi, provided valuable insights into women’s participation, their role as community leaders and decision-makers, and the need for gender-responsive policies.
The first discussion, moderated by Neha Dhingra, Senior Manager at CLASP, shed light on the evolving landscape of India’s energy sector and the pivotal role women play within it. Speakers, including Ruchika Drall from Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Ramila Vyas from People Education & Development Organization, Mandira Kalra Kalaan from Purpose, and Leher Sethi from the Confederation of Women Entrepreneurs, Delhi, provided valuable insights into women’s participation, their role as community leaders and decision-makers, and the need for gender-responsive policies.
The speakers noted that women are not just underrepresented in the energy sector but also disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. The need for mainstreaming gender and fostering a gender-neutral framework was emphasized to break stereotypes and achieve gender balance in the workforce.
The solutions include enabling women’s access to finance and community engagement, as well as fostering leadership among women in the energy sector. The importance of monetizing unpaid household care work by women and communicating gender-responsive policies effectively were also underscored as critical steps toward achieving equity and inclusion.
According to India’s Council on Energy, Environment, and Water, if women’s participation in the energy sector is increased to 30%, it could create up to 3.2 million additional jobs by 2025. This CLASP event served as a crucial platform for fostering dialogue, learning and collaboration to encourage a more inclusive and equitable energy sector in India. CLASP continues to steer efforts and collective action globally with the vision of a just and inclusive energy transition for all.
0. International Energy Agency, “Access to Clean Cooking”. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
1. Modern Energy Cooking Services programme, “The Green Shift in Clean Cooking Fuel in India”, 18 May 2023. https://mecs.org.uk/blog/the-green-shift-in-clean-cooking-fuel-in-india/
2. International Energy Agency, “Electricity access continues to improve in 2024 – after first global setback in decades”, 5 November 2024. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
3. International Energy Agency “World Energy Outlook 2019” https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/98909c1b-aabc-4797-9926-35307b418cdb/WEO2019-free.pdf
4. International Energy Agency “World Energy Outlook 2019” https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/98909c1b-aabc-4797-9926-35307b418cdb/WEO2019-free.pdf
5. International Energy Agency “World Energy Outlook 2023” https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/86ede39e-4436-42d7-ba2a-edf61467e070/WorldEnergyOutlook2023.pdf
6. International Energy Agency “World Energy Outlook 2019” https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/98909c1b-aabc-4797-9926-35307b418cdb/WEO2019-free.pdf
7. International Copper Association “ICA China Motor Program: 20 Years of Promoting Energy Efficiency” https://internationalcopper.org/resource/ica-china-motor-program-20-years-of-promoting-energy-efficiency/
8. International Copper Association India “Energy Efficient Motors” https://copperindia.org/energy-efficient-motors/
CLASP Supports India Deliver Two More Appliance Efficiency Policies
On 1 March 2024, India’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) announced two new appliance efficiency policies set to reduce roughly 16 million tonnes of CO2 emissions by 2033. CLASP supported BEE with technical assistance in the development of these policies.
The two new appliance efficiency polices are set to enhance the energy performances of commercial beverage coolers and packaged boilers. This was announced by Shri R. K. Singh, India’s Minister of Power and New and Renewable Energy at the 22nd anniversary of the founding of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). In implementing these, India aims to achieve 16 million tonnes reduction in CO2 emissions, cumulatively by 2033, helping the country meet its climate targets, reduce pressure on the national power grid and lower the running costs for businesses.
BEE’s Standards & Labeling Program now covers 37 efficiency policies, including appliances and equipment across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. CLASP has collaborated with BEE for many years, providing technical assistance, research expertise and policy advice.
Reflecting on the launch, Bishal Thapa, Senior Director at CLASP, commended BEE for its proactive approach to energy efficiency and expressed optimism about the impact of these policies. “Energy efficiency is paramount to tackle climate change, and India’s commitment is commendable,” Bishal remarked. “At CLASP, we are pleased to provide technical assistance to BEE in the development and implementation of appliance efficiency policies in India. CLASP stands ready to support BEE in implementing these policies effectively, ensuring that they deliver tangible benefits for both India and the global community.”
The two policies cover the following appliances:
Commercial Beverage Coolers
While domestic refrigeration is already regulated for energy consumption in India, the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP) noted the opportunity to increase the energy efficiency and lower the running costs of various commercial refrigeration products. This is timely as the number of commercial refrigerators, including commercial beverage coolers, is poised to double in the next decade.
Packaged Boilers
Packaged boilers are small-sized boilers essential for meeting steam and hot water needs of process industries. These small capacity boilers consume a significant amount of energy in industrial and commercial settings. The introduction of a new efficiency labeling program will allow consumers to select more energy-efficient package boilers that are much cheaper to run.
For close to 25 years, CLASP has developed effective tactics for driving climate mitigation and adaptation and improving people’s lives through appliance efficiency. CLASP collaborates with policymakers, appliance manufactures, and leading experts to deliver leading research, sound policy recommendations, innovative tools, and clear pathways to a more sustainable world.
0. International Energy Agency, “Access to Clean Cooking”. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
1. Modern Energy Cooking Services programme, “The Green Shift in Clean Cooking Fuel in India”, 18 May 2023. https://mecs.org.uk/blog/the-green-shift-in-clean-cooking-fuel-in-india/
2. International Energy Agency, “Electricity access continues to improve in 2024 – after first global setback in decades”, 5 November 2024. https://www.iea.org/reports/sdg7-data-and-projections/access-to-clean-cooking
3. International Energy Agency “World Energy Outlook 2019” https://iea.blob.core.windows.net/assets/98909c1b-aabc-4797-9926-35307b418cdb/WEO2019-free.pdf
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