Plaksha University and Tabreed India, in collaboration with IFC’s TechEmerge program, have initiated a pioneering pilot project to implement a sustainable cooling solution using Phase Change Material – Thermal Energy Storage (PCM-TES) at Plaksha University’s campus. This initiative addresses the growing cooling demands in India, which put significant pressure on the electricity grid and contribute to increased carbon emissions.
Air conditioning accounts for nearly 30% of household electricity consumption in India, with peak demand occurring when solar energy is unavailable. The PCM-TES system mitigates this issue by storing cooling energy during the day using renewable sources and releasing it at night, reducing dependence on fossil fuel-generated power. “This pilot project showcases the transformative potential of PCM-TES technology in India,” said Vishal Garg of Plaksha University. “By integrating renewable energy with thermal storage, we can provide a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative to traditional cooling methods, lowering peak grid demand and minimizing carbon emissions.”
The pilot is being implemented in Plaksha University’s hostel building, which houses 220 rooms. It employs cryogel-based PCM for high-density thermal retention and is integrated with a solar PV system to charge the TES during the day. Automated controls optimize the charge-discharge cycles for maximum efficiency. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Plaksha University and IFC’s TechEmerge program on this innovative initiative,” said Sudheer Perla, Managing Director of Tabreed Asia. “PCM-TES technology has the potential to revolutionize the cooling sector in India, delivering sustainable and efficient solutions for the future.”
This project is part of a larger collaboration through the Cooling Innovation Lab (CIL), aimed at accelerating the adoption of advanced cooling technologies through grant-funded pilots and novel business models. Expected outcomes include reduced grid dependency, a lower carbon footprint, and the introduction of innovative billing models to encourage energy-conscious behavior. By pioneering such solutions, this initiative moves the industry closer to achieving grid-independent, energy-efficient buildings and campuses, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Plaksha University, founded by a global community of 100+ entrepreneurs, technology, and business leaders, is dedicated to reimagining technology education and research in India and beyond. It has established strong academic partnerships with leading institutions such as UC Berkeley, Purdue University, UC San Diego, Cornell University, IIT Madras, and IISc Bengaluru. Plaksha fosters an interdisciplinary learning environment by integrating technology, design, and entrepreneurship, breaking traditional engineering boundaries. The university is guided by an esteemed academic board, including Dr. Vijay Kumar (University of Pennsylvania), Dr Venkatesh Narayanamurthi (Harvard University), Dr Sriram Rajamani (Microsoft Research India), and Dr Sanjay Sarma (MIT), among others. Plaksha is also supported by top business leaders like Neeraj Aggarwal (BCG), Hitesh Oberoi (Info Edge), Srikanth Velamakanni (Fractal Analytics), and Rakesh Bharti Mittal (Bharti Enterprises). Additionally, corporate donors such as Bharti Foundation, Havells, HT Parekh Foundation, Mphasis, Axis Bank, and Motilal Oswal play a key role in driving Plaksha’s vision of fostering innovation and leadership in technology.
Tabreed India Private Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tabreed Asia Central Cooling Company, a joint venture between National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed UAE) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group. The company is actively collaborating with leading real estate developers and institutional investors across India to implement district cooling solutions or Cooling as a Service (CAAS). In 2023, Tabreed secured a 32-year concession to develop Asia’s largest district cooling system of 125,000 RT for Hyderabad Pharma City in Telangana. Additionally, it signed a concession with Tata Realty to provide 6,600 RT of cooling services for a Grade A commercial campus in Gurugram. With its expertise in design, engineering, and development, Tabreed India is building a robust local supply chain and operations & maintenance (O&M) capabilities to bring global best practices into the Indian market.
