The rise of air conditioning – and push to improve it

About this episode

Invented at the turn of the 20th century to control humidity at a New York printing plant, the air conditioner has reshaped the economies and societies that have had access to it. Today, more than 1.5 billion AC units are in use around the world – and as incomes and temperatures rise, demand continues to grow rapidly.

But there are challenges associated with this air conditioning boom. If a city’s residents all turn on their ACs at the same time, the resulting surge in electricity consumption can strain power grids. Growing electricity demand from air conditioning also contributes to higher energy sector emissions. That’s why innovators are working to improve cooling technologies, be it by making air conditioners more efficient or by developing entirely new systems to help people stay cool.

This is the final episode in a three-part miniseries on energy innovation stories that changed the world. It is hosted by Dan Hewitt and produced by Dan Hewitt and Julia Horowitz. Guests include IEA analysts Chiara Delmastro and Simon Bennett; Eindhoven University of Technology Professor Daniel Barber; Blue Frontier Co-founder and CEO Daniel Betts; and University of Cambridge Professor and Barocal CEO Xavier Moya.

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