We should talk more about air-conditioning
a year ago
- #climate-change
- #energy-demand
- #air-conditioning
- Air-conditioning is a significant but often overlooked factor in global energy demand.
- Data centers contribute less than 10% of the projected increase in energy demand by 2030, compared to space cooling (mostly air-conditioning).
- Cooling degree days, a measure of cooling demand, are increasing globally, with 2024 seeing a 6% rise from 2023 and a 20% increase from the long-term average.
- Air-conditioning accounted for 7% of the world's electricity demand in 2022, with projections of AC units rising from 2 billion in 2016 to nearly 6 billion by 2050.
- Cooling demand peaks simultaneously, stressing the grid, especially in regions like the US where AC can represent over 70% of residential energy demand during peak times.
- Innovations in cooling technology include energy storage components in cooling systems and desiccant cooling systems for more efficient humidity control.
- New developments in heat exchanger technology, including 3D-printed models, show promise for improving cooling efficiency.
- Policy and public support are needed to ensure access to efficient cooling technologies and to break the vicious cycle of increased cooling demand and climate change.