AXIOS (Rebecca Falconer) - How new cooling technologies could cut AC electricity demand
America's answer to hotter summers has overwhelmingly been more air conditioning, and engineers are now looking for ways to keep people cool without driving up electricity demand. Why it matters: The need for cooling is surging. The issue isn't just how to generate more electricity — it's how to use less of it and ease demand when grids are most strained. Between the lines: A July study finds that keeping buildings cool without relying solely on AC will be critical for adapting to climate change. - AC is already nearly ubiquitous in the U.S., but that doesn't mean its electricity consumption has peaked. - "The market is saturated, but the use of air conditioning or the energy consumption for air conditioning will increase because…
What were the findings of the 2024 study regarding heat-mitigation strategies in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia?
The study, co-authored by Mat Santamouris, modeled heat-mitigation strategies and found that combining cool materials and greenery could reduce peak ambient temperatures by up to 4.5°C.
Q&A ID 55a67f9e-c28b-4304-b2cf-d908e44eab48
What specific cooling technology is being tested in Colorado by RMI and Boulder County?
They are testing passive daytime radiative cooling paint on roofs. This technology is described as a more advanced version of white paint because it reflects sunlight while also radiating heat into the sky.
Q&A ID 43f4bcb4-bec9-4557-95c7-0e1b4f2edbf7
How much of the total peak electricity demand can air conditioning account for on the hottest days in Texas?
Air conditioning can account for roughly half of the total peak electricity demand on the hottest days in Texas, according to an International Energy Agency analysis.
Q&A ID a754d44d-4a61-4a93-bc39-7382b11b8c88