DUBAI, UAE, 9 November 2023: Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower) announced its participation in COP28 by hosting the District Cooling Summit 2023 in the Green Zone, in association with the International District Energy Association (IDEA). Making the announcement through a Press release, Empower said the DC Summit will be held on December 5, from 10 am to 1:30 pm at the Connect Conference Centre (Home of the United Nations Hub), Expo City (COP28 Site), Dubai, and will feature recognised global industry experts who will share their insights on the implementation and optimisation of District Cooling. 

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar

Empower said that the Summit is organised to showcase the role of District Cooling in achieving energy efficiency, meeting sustainable development goals, and mitigating climate change. The event, Empower added, will spotlight District Cooling as an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly strategy for cities, communities, and campuses. Furthermore, Empower said that will highlight the role of the UAE in adopting sustainable cooling solutions, as Dubai has been chosen as one of the Champion Cities for District Cooling by the United Nations.

The Summit Agenda, Empower said, has various programmes, including panel discussions on Energy Transition and Low-Carbon Solutions, Need for District Cooling Favorable Policies, Financing for District Cooling Infrastructure, Policies and Financing. Empower also said that the Summit is aligned with the magnitude of the COP28 thematic programme for December 5, which is Energy Transition, and aims to seek actions towards rapid decarbonisation of the cooling sector. The District Cooling Summit 2023, Empower added, will feature in-depth and diverse discussions to discuss the importance of District Cooling and its tangible pioneering role in confronting climate change, including reducing energy consumption and its superior ability to protect natural resources, ultimately translating into a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. 

Rob Thornton

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower; Board Member Emeritus, IDEA and Chairman, Association of District Cooling Operators Dubai, said: “The District Cooling Summit, organised as a side event of COP28, is of great significance and will bring in key players in the global District Cooling industry. As the region’s first country to ratify the Paris Agreement and as a leader in District Cooling, the UAE can accelerate adoption in regional and emerging economies. Moreover, collaborative efforts are necessary to address pressing climate issues, and we are committed to supporting any efforts to transition to sustainable cooling that reduces emissions. Hosting the District Cooling Summit alongside COP28 furthers our dedication to promoting district cooling solutions locally and globally.”

Empower said that Rob Thornton, President and CEO, IDEA, expressed the Association’s pride in continuing the collaboration with Empower, especially in actively participating in organising the District Cooling Summit alongside the prestigious COP28, and underlined that the Summit will be a milestone, as it will gives UAE the advantage of forging a unique historic opportunity to make actual progress in the field of climate action and build a better future for all in cooperation with countries around the world. Thornton said, “IDEA looks forward to continuing its work towards an essential transformation in the District Cooling sector through close cooperation and constructive partnerships during the Summit, and supporting the UAE in fulfilling its ambitious environmental agenda during and after the event.”