Plaksha University and Tabreed India, in partnership with the International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) TechEmerge program, have launched an innovative pilot project that aims to implement sustainable cooling on Plaksha University’s campus. The project uses Phase Change Material-Thermal Energy Storage (PCM-TES) technology to meet growing cooling demands while reducing pressure on India’s electricity grid and lowering carbon emissions.
In India, air conditioning accounts for about 30% of household electricity consumption. The highest demand for electricity occurs during peak hours when solar energy is unavailable. PCM-TES helps address this challenge by storing cooling energy from renewable sources during the day and releasing it at night. This reduces the reliance on fossil fuel-based power. “This pilot project demonstrates the potential of PCM-TES technology in India,” said Vishal Garg of Plaksha University. “By combining renewable energy with thermal storage, we can offer a cost-effective and eco-friendly cooling solution, cutting down on peak grid demand and carbon emissions.”
The pilot project is being implemented in the university’s hostel building, which accommodates 220 rooms. The system uses cryogel-based PCM for efficient thermal energy retention and is linked to a solar photovoltaic (PV) system that charges the storage during the day. Automated controls ensure maximum efficiency by optimizing the charging and discharging cycles. “We are excited to collaborate with Plaksha University and IFC’s TechEmerge program on this innovative project,” said Sudheer Perla, Managing Director of Tabreed Asia. “PCM-TES technology has the potential to transform India’s cooling sector, offering sustainable and efficient solutions for the future.”
This initiative is part of the Cooling Innovation Lab (CIL), a larger effort to promote the use of advanced cooling technologies through pilot programs and innovative business models. Expected benefits include a reduced dependency on the grid, a smaller carbon footprint, and the development of new billing models that encourage energy-efficient behavior. By leading the way in such solutions, this project brings the industry closer to achieving energy-efficient, grid-independent buildings and campuses, supporting a sustainable future.
Plaksha University, founded by a global network of over 100 entrepreneurs, technology experts, and business leaders, aims to reshape technology education and research in India and globally. The university collaborates with top institutions such as UC Berkeley, Purdue University, UC San Diego, Cornell University, IIT Madras, and IISc Bengaluru. Plaksha promotes an interdisciplinary learning environment that integrates technology, design, and entrepreneurship. Its academic board includes prominent figures such as Dr. Vijay Kumar (University of Pennsylvania), Dr. Venkatesh Narayanamurthi (Harvard University), Dr. Sriram Rajamani (Microsoft Research India), and Dr. Sanjay Sarma (MIT). Plaksha is also supported by business leaders including Neeraj Aggarwal (BCG), Hitesh Oberoi (Info Edge), Srikanth Velamakanni (Fractal Analytics), and Rakesh Bharti Mittal (Bharti Enterprises), as well as corporate donors like Bharti Foundation, Havells, HT Parekh Foundation, Mphasis, Axis Bank, and Motilal Oswal.
Tabreed India is a subsidiary of Tabreed Asia, a joint venture between National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed UAE) and the IFC, part of the World Bank Group. Tabreed India works closely with real estate developers and institutional investors across India to implement district cooling solutions, or Cooling as a Service (CAAS). In 2023, the company secured a 32-year concession to develop Asia’s largest district cooling system for Hyderabad Pharma City in Telangana. Additionally, Tabreed signed a deal with Tata Realty to provide cooling services for a Grade A commercial campus in Gurugram. Tabreed India is building a strong local supply chain and operations & maintenance capabilities, bringing global best practices to the Indian market.
