The meetings in India started with the Norwegian Consulate General. SINTEF Ocean and IIR representatives focused on introducing the INDEE3 project and exploring opportunities for cooperation in sustainable cooling and refrigeration. Key discussions addressed the green transition, including natural refrigerants, links to energy solutions such as LNG, and the need for certification and skills development due to the shortage of qualified experts. Demonstration activities, particularly in regions such as Goa and at BITS Pilani, were highlighted alongside potential expansion to new applications, including maritime systems and cold chain solutions for fisheries and food logistics. The exchange also covered broader topics such as trade, infrastructure, and policy development, emphasizing the importance of linking research, industry, and capacity building to support sustainable cooling in India.

This broader context of collaboration and knowledge exchange was also evident at ACREX India 2026, held on 12–14 March at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. As South Asia’s largest platform for HVAC, refrigeration, and intelligent building technologies, the event-organized by ISHRAE-brought together global industry leaders, innovators, and researchers. Under the theme “Unlocking Business Potential: Enhancing Opportunities, Accelerating Growth, Building a Better World,” ACREX highlighted the role of HVAC technologies in supporting sustainable development and healthier built environments. From the IIR perspective, the event is particularly significant given the rapid expansion of the Indian HVAC market, driven by urbanization, energy efficiency policies, and increasing demand for sustainable cooling solutions.

Overall, the discussions highlighted that accelerating the transition toward sustainable cooling requires a coordinated approach combining scientific research, industry innovation, policy support, and capacity building.