Assam launches state-level Cooling Action Plan

The government of Assam has launched the Assam Cooling Action Plan (ACAP) to promote sustainable and climate-friendly cooling across the state. Developed by the Assam Climate Change Management Society in technical collaboration with WRI India, the plan makes Assam one of the first Indian states to implement an integrated state-level framework.

The ACAP focuses on four priority sectors: buildings, cold chain, industry, and transport. Key objectives include enhancing energy efficiency, managing refrigerants responsibly, and adopting climate-friendly cooling technologies. The initiative aims to translate the broader India Cooling Action Plan into a localized strategy through coordinated departmental implementation.

Projections within the plan indicate that Assam’s cooling-related electricity demand is expected to more than double by 2040, rising from 3,576 GWh to 8,445 GWh. To mitigate this, the state will emphasize energy-efficient systems and nature-based solutions, such as increasing green cover and protecting natural ecosystems to complement technological advancements.