DUBAI, UAE, 20 June 2024: H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), participating as Keynote Speaker in the International District Energy Association (IDEA) Conference 2024, in Orlando, Florida, in the United States, called for global legislation to embrace District Cooling to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.

Empower was one of the participants in the conference, themed ‘District Energy for Sustainable Cities,’ which brought together leaders and decision-makers in the global energy sector.

According to Empower, in his address, H.E. Bin Shafar highlighted the efficiency of District Cooling systems in reducing energy consumption in the cooling sector and their crucial role in accelerating the transition to a low-carbon future. Empower said that during the discussion, H.E. Bin Shafar shared Empower’s pioneering experience in the District Cooling industry, especially its advanced management and control technologies. Empower quoted H.E. Bin Shafar as saying: “Empower is one of the key partners of various United Nations Environment Program initiatives. We will continue supporting the UN and the District Cooling industry in all their efforts for greater deployment of this energy-efficient solution. We are also collaborating with industry experts and universities to research next-generation district cooling systems.”

Empower said H.E. Bin Shafar highlighted that technological advancements in the District Cooling sector are crucial for conserving electricity and water. H.E. Bin Shafar said, “Dubai is one of the early adopters of Treated Sewage Effluent and Thermal Energy Storage technologies in the District Cooling sector that are significantly effective in conserving potable water and energy.”

H.E. Bin Shafar said: “We proceed in light of the wise vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into a centre of excellence in the technologies necessary to reach carbon neutrality by 2050, in line with its ambitious plans and various strategies.”

Empower said H.E. Bin Shafar highlighted how District Cooling has become a key component of energy systems that form the basis of sustainable, economic and urban development, underscoring its importance for large-scale and high-density projects, such as business districts, airports, universities, residential towers and commercial establishments. The District Cooling company added that H.E. Bin Shafar emphasised that supportive government policies and collaboration with local power providers are essential for the effective deployment of District Cooling systems. Empower said H.E. Bin Shafar emphasised that the Dubai government is targeting 40% penetration of District Cooling systems by 2030 in Dubai, recognising that about 70% of the energy used in buildings is for space cooling in the region. The economic and societal benefits of District Cooling systems, Empower said, make it logical for all individuals and institutions to collaborate to develop and deploy this strategic industry and expand its geographical scope to become a global language across all countries for a carbon-free future.