Cooling technology innovators seek alternatives to energy-intensive air conditioning

Air conditioning's growing demand for electricity presents a significant challenge to climate goals.

Current systems, some nearly 200 years old, rely on energy-intensive processes and harmful refrigerants.

Innovators are now exploring ways to improve on vapour-compression technology, while others look to entirely different principles for cooling buildings.

The question remains whether one solution will dominate, or if a varied approach will prevail.

Active cooling is an important fourth source of rising power demand.