ShareImproving air conditioner efficiency could avoid up to 100bn tonnes of CO2
The report “Benefits of Leapfrogging to Super-efficiency and Low Global Warming Potential Refrigerants in Air Conditioning” by the L. Berkeley National Laboratory states that improving the energy efficiency of room air conditioners to the level of efficient units already on the market could avoid cumulative savings up to 97.5bn tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The report “Benefits of Leapfrogging to Super-efficiency and Low Global Warming Potential Refrigerants in Air Conditioning” by the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory states that improving the energy efficiency of room air conditioners to the level of efficient units already on the market could avoid around 25bn tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2030, 32.5bn tonnes in 2040, and 40bn tonnes in 2050, for a cumulative savings up to 97.5bn tonnes of CO2.
The researchers calculate that the savings in peak demand could be equal to 500-1200 GW of electricity, which would avoid (or free up for other uses), an amount of electricity equal to the production from between 1,000 and 2,500 medium-sized (500 MW) peak-load power plants by 2050.
However, they note that there are always some uncertainties associated with such projections.
“Efficient air conditioners are commercially available today, and can save money for consumers by substantially lowering their operating costs,” said Dr. Nihar Shah, the lead author of the report. “Our calculations take into account that there will be some rebound effect from efficiency improvements, as some users will use their air conditioners more when they are cheaper to operate. Even with this, the climate and cost benefits are substantial.”
The researchers calculate that the savings in peak demand could be equal to 500-1200 GW of electricity, which would avoid (or free up for other uses), an amount of electricity equal to the production from between 1,000 and 2,500 medium-sized (500 MW) peak-load power plants by 2050.
However, they note that there are always some uncertainties associated with such projections.
“Efficient air conditioners are commercially available today, and can save money for consumers by substantially lowering their operating costs,” said Dr. Nihar Shah, the lead author of the report. “Our calculations take into account that there will be some rebound effect from efficiency improvements, as some users will use their air conditioners more when they are cheaper to operate. Even with this, the climate and cost benefits are substantial.”