Cool Contributions fighting Climate Change II (C4 II)

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Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection (BMUV)
Partner countries: Costa Rica, Grenada, the Philippines

Objective

The objective of the project is to foster sustainable development of the RAC sector by strengthening the competence of key actors and improving related structures. C4 II adapts existing methodologies and develops new tools for replication in other countries, promoting the transformation towards sustainable cooling. Increased ambition triggered by sector specific NDC implementation plans is expected to unlock enormous GHG reduction potential. 

Country specific objective

Cooperation with the three partner countries is twofold: Firstly, the countries will be supported in advancing and implementing the cooling strategies developed with C4 I assistance. Secondly, all three countries will serve as valuable sources of knowledge on cooling strategies, policy approaches and green cooling technology demonstration, which is highly relevant for an increasing number of third countries.  

Approach

A sustainable approach enabling a strong multiplier effect lies at the core of the project. Best practices and instruments developed in C4 I are to be made available to other countries for replication in blueprints and guidelines. This includes, for instance, a blueprint on sector-specific NDCs or a roadmap for the introduction of Minimum Energy Performance Standards. Proven approaches are to be systematically transferred to other regions, which in turn will increase awareness of Green Cooling. 

Partner countries

Latest News

Solar PV-powered Room Air Conditioning: Market trends and techno-economic potential (Update 2025)

06/2025 , Publication - Technical Publication :

This study explores the economic and technical potential of solar-powered air conditioning systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings in 17 countries. 

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Space cooling in buildings is characterized by enormous growth rates, due to increasing ambient temperatures, growing population and urbanisation. Air-conditioned buildings in many countries are largely dominated by mid to low appliance energy efficiency levels, highly climate-damaging refrigerants as well as fossil-fuel based electricity supply. This in sum generates a huge amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, furthering climate change.

The objective of this paper is to further unfold the technical and economic potential of solar PV-powered green air conditioners. Therefore it focuses on single split-type air conditioning systems with cooling capacities up to 5 kW, analyzing hybrid and off-grid solutions for private and small commercial applications in 17 countries. The analysis includes calculating the Levelized Cost of Electricity (LCOE) and Net Present Value (NPV). Additionally, the study reviews ice storage tanks as an alternative to batteries for solar PV air-conditioning systems, presenting case studies from Haiti and South Africa to illustrate practical applications and impacts on carbon emissions and grid load. The study aims to advance the solar-powered air conditioning market and support GIZ Proklima projects.