50°C summers expose limits of 5-star ACs; cooling tech emerges as long-duration investment theme
India to add 130-150 million ACs this decade as heatwaves push past BEE's 43°C test ceiling. Capital eyes high-ISEER inverter units (75% share), thermal-resilient designs and smart load management. Grid demand could hit 180 GW by 2035; ₹8 lakh crore in capex potentially avoided through efficiency gains.
Rising 46-50°C heatwaves expose limits of BEE star ratings tested to 43°C, pushing AC bills higher and straining grid. Experts see investment opportunity in high-ISEER inverter ACs, thermal-resilient designs and smart load management as India adds 130-150 million units this decade.