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How can we cool our cities in the future?
Industry and academia are coming together in a new international research initiative that aims to rethink how the world’s largest cities are cooled.
At a glance
Who: Nanyang Technological University, Singapore; Aalborg University and Aarhus University, Denmark; Grundfos.
What: Grundfos, a specialist in energy-efficient water solutions, is working with the Singaporean and Danish universities on a new international research initiative, Sustainable Water-based Cooling in Megacities (Swim).
Why: With cooling demand expected to more than triple by 2050, the project aims to rethink traditional cooling systems through renewable-powered, energy-efficient technologies that could reduce urban energy use by up to 30 per cent.
When: The initiative is aligned with the national climate goals of both Singapore and Denmark, with Singapore targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 and Denmark committing to climate neutrality by 2045.
A new international research initiative, Sustainable Water-based Cooling in Megacities (Swim), aims to rethink how the world’s largest cities are cooled.
Swim is a collaborative partnership between Nanyang Technological University in Singapore, Aalborg University and Aarhus University in Denmark with Grundfos, a specialist in energy-efficient water solutions, joining as an industry partner to help develop the next-generation cooling solutions.
Energy-efficient technologies
With cooling demand expected to more than triple by 2050, the project aims to rethink traditional systems through renewable-powered, energy-efficient technologies that could reduce urban energy use by up to 30 per cent.
“With this collaboration we want to create cooling technologies that not only optimise energy consumption in the lab but also work in real-life settings. We see huge potential in combining Grundfos’ technological expertise and know-how with the cutting-edge research of these prestigious universities,” said Bent Jensen, EVP and divisional CEO of commercial building services at Grundfos.
“We look forward to strengthening connections between Singapore and Denmark, as well as fostering cooperation between academic institutions and industry.”
“This collaboration will help advance innovative water-based cooling solutions that improve energy efficiency and support more sustainable urban development in tropical megacities”
Swim will combine interdisciplinary expertise in several tracks, for instance:
- Developing urban energy planning tools based on renewable energy sources to project and manage future cooling demands in megacities
- Using artificial intelligence to monitor efficiency, detecting faults and guiding predictive maintenance
- Designing smart algorithms that balance cooling needs with energy efficiency and grid stability.
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Professor Madhavi Srinivasan, executive director of the Energy Research Institute at NTU, said: “The participation of Grundfos in the Swim project marks an important step forward in accelerating sustainable cooling innovation. By combining NTU Singapore’s research expertise with industry leadership, this collaboration will help advance innovative water-based cooling solutions that improve energy efficiency and support more sustainable urban development in tropical megacities.”
The hope is that other industry partners will join the Swim project, adding their perspectives and helping to ensure innovations will not only be effective but also practical, scalable, and easy to implement.
“With this collaboration we want to create cooling technologies that not only optimise energy consumption in the lab but also work in real-life settings”
The partners report their shared ambition is that approximately half of the demonstrated products developed in this project will become viable products that go to market and make a real difference for people and the environment.
The Swim research initiative is funded by a US$9.4m (DKK60m or S$12m) grant from the Grundfos Foundation and aligned with the national climate goals of both Singapore and Denmark, with Singapore targeting net-zero emissions by 2050 and Denmark committing to climate neutrality by 2045.
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How can water-based cooling systems reduce urban energy use by 30%?How would renewable-powered cooling integrate with city energy grids?How can AI detect faults and enable predictive maintenance in cooling?What urban planning tools accurately project future cooling demand scenarios?How to scale water-based cooling technologies for tropical megacity implementation?AI and Machine Learningclimate actionClimate change/ResilienceConnectivity & DataEnergy & EnvironmentGovernance and CitizenRenewablesresilienceSingaporesolar powerTidal powerwaterwind power
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