Daikin Powers India's Green AC Revolution with Local R32

Daikin Air-Conditioning India is actively exploring partnerships with emerging Indian manufacturers to localise production of R32 refrigerant gas, a key component in eco-friendly and energy-efficient air conditioners.

Daikin India CMD, Kanwal Jeet Jawa, welcomed the growing domestic involvement in R32 production and revealed the company is offering free patents to support local initiatives. India's air conditioning sector has increased localisation from 25 percent in 2020 to 60–65 percent today, aiming for 75 percent by 2025.

Despite raw material challenges, the industry is working to achieve this goal through collaborative innovation in refrigerants, compressors, and materials. Jawa also highlighted an ongoing government proposal to incentivise the replacement of outdated AC units, about 10 crore in total, through energy-efficient upgrades. Replacing even 10 percent could significantly reduce national energy consumption.

This initiative aligns with India’s e-waste policy encouraging replacement of appliances over 10 years old. Daikin, which operates three Indian plants with a three million unit capacity, plans to scale up to five million units annually by 2030.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.