Admiral R. Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, inaugurated the unique CO₂ based Air Conditioning plant at INS Shivaji on January 17, 2024. The AC Plant is first of its kind and is set to replace HFC (Hydro Fluro Carbons) and HCFC (Hydro Chloro Fluro Carbons) based air conditioning systems onboard ships. This step is in line with India's commitment towards Kigali Agreement of 2016 to phase down HFC and HCFC based synthetic refrigerants from 2028 onwards and Transcritical CO₂ based air conditioning plant is the first step towards it. This technology aligns with the global efforts to combat climate change and supports Indian Navy's initiative towards sustainable green alternatives.

This air conditioning plant is equipped with advanced digital control systems and smart technology integration economising manpower for running the plant. The system has been developed in collaboration with IISc, Bangalore, a testimony of channelising the Defence-Academia synergy towards induction of a futuristic technology in the Armed Forces. The success of this technology will not only offer state-of-the-art machinery to the Navy but has the potential for a wider application into the commercial air-conditioning & refrigeration market.

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Cmde Mohit Goel, Commanding Officer INS Shivaji, Prof B. Gurumoorthy, CEO, FSID, Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bangalore, Amit Sharma MD, CEO, Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd and Arun Mote, Executive Director, Triveni Turbines Ltd, Bangalore.