IIR joins key stakeholder talks on AHEAD program in Delhi

Yosr Allouche, Director General of the IIR, had the distinct honour of participating in the National Stakeholder Consultation for the “Alleviating Heat Stress by Enhancing Production of Affordable Cooling Devices (AHEAD)” program in Delhi, India.

The event, organised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in collaboration with The World Bank Group, marked a significant step toward addressing India’s growing cooling needs with a focus on sustainability and affordability.

 

The consultation brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including industry leaders, R&D experts, and policymakers, to discuss critical aspects of India’s cooling sector. Key discussions revolved around assessing the market and technology landscape, identifying challenges, and proposing actionable solutions for creating an inclusive, energy-efficient refrigeration and cooling ecosystem. These deliberations will inform the design of the $700 million AHEAD Program.

 

Addressing India’s Cooling Challenges

The AHEAD Programme aims to tackle the rising demand for room air conditioners, fans, district cooling systems, and cold rooms while promoting local design and manufacturing of energy-efficient equipment. This initiative is crucial for ensuring human comfort, safe food storage, and access to quality healthcare products, particularly as India faces mounting climate challenges and a growing population.

 

IIR's Contribution to the Dialogue

Yosr Allouche actively contributed to the discussions and was honoured to deliver closing remarks during a session alongside DPIIT Secretary Amardeep Singh Bhatia, Global Infrastructure and AI Policy Leader at the World Bank Abhas Jha, and DPIIT Joint Secretary Sanjiv Singh.

 

In her address, the IIR Director General underscored India’s long-standing commitment to advancing the refrigeration sector, noting that the country has been a valued member of the IIR since 1965. She emphasised the importance of establishing a strong R&D foundation to:

  • Drive innovation in energy-efficient appliances,
  • Strengthen local manufacturing capabilities,
  • Meet essential refrigeration needs,
  • Ensure compliance with international standards, and
  • Position India as a global leader in the refrigeration and cooling sector.

 

A Shared Vision for the Future

The IIR remains committed to supporting initiatives like the AHEAD Program that align with its mission to promote sustainable and energy-efficient refrigeration practices globally. As India takes decisive steps toward addressing its cooling needs, the IIR stands ready to collaborate and contribute to the realisation of a robust, inclusive, and sustainable refrigeration ecosystem.