Beat the Heat: Ensuring Power Reliability for Sustainable Cooling in Central Asia

In a recent study, researchers from the Asian Development Bank and other organizations looked into how families in Central Asia cope with rising summer temperatures. They focused on 1,522 households in the Fergana Valley, a region shared by Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. The study aimed to understand how climate change affects cooling options like air conditioning, fans, or even no cooling at all.

Unequal Access to Cooling

The findings show significant inequality in cooling technology use. About 22% of surveyed households have air conditioning. However, nearly half of them rely on lower-energy solutions like fans or sunscreen films. A staggering 30% of households don’t use any cooling method. Uzbekistan leads with 65% of families using fans or films, while only 29.4% of Tajik households do the same. Alarmingly, around 40% of Kyrgyz households reported having no cooling system at all.

Almost half of those without any cooling system said they have no plans to get one in the future. This inability to adapt poses serious challenges for resilience against climate change in the region.

Understanding Heat Stress

To measure heat stress, the study used “cooling degree days” (CDD), which assess how long and intensely temperatures exceed a comfortable level. Uzbekistan had the highest average CDD at 1,404, followed by Tajikistan’s 1,045, and Kyrgyzstan’s 893. Notably, some areas in Uzbekistan reach CDDs as high as 1,641. Those living in hotter zones are more likely to use cooling systems. With summers becoming hotter, effective cooling is not just beneficial but essential for daily life.

Power Issues and Cooling Choices

Although all households have electricity, reliability is a major issue. Around 64% reported experiencing power outages, lasting an average of 33 hours each month. In extreme cases, some areas face up to 200 hours without electricity. These disruptions make it hard for families to invest in air conditioning, which needs stable power. Fans and films face fewer issues, especially in rural areas where outages are frequent.

Socioeconomic Factors

Who manages to stay cool and how? Education and income levels play critical roles. Households led by educated individuals are more likely to have air conditioning, especially in cities. Income matters too—higher earners tend to use cooler options. Conversely, larger families, particularly those with children, often cannot afford air conditioning or fans.

Interestingly, families with elderly members are more inclined to invest in air conditioning because older adults are particularly vulnerable to extreme heat.

Future Considerations

The study ends with important recommendations. Improving the reliability of the power grid is crucial for encouraging more families to adopt air conditioning. Exploring solar energy, which aligns with peak summer cooling needs, could be a smart solution. Larger investments in passive cooling strategies like better insulation, reflective roofing, and enhanced natural ventilation could also help.

Urban planning that includes tree planting and open green spaces can mitigate city heat, and establishing community cooling centers could offer much-needed relief during intense heat waves.

This research highlights a pressing issue: as climate change impacts grow, ensuring everyone has access to cooling solutions will be vital for health and peace in Central Asia. With the right investments, it’s possible to narrow this cooling gap, improving lives one family at a time.

For more on the impact of electricity on adaptation strategies, you can explore studies from the International Energy Agency.

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Asian Development Bank, Central Asia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, CDDs, Climate change, ADB