CCME.NEWS

Your source for the HVACR Industry, covering in-depth news & analyses on policy, business & technology.

Get Premium:

Sign-up

COMMERCIAL ENQUIRIES:

Frédéric Paillé
Co-Founder & Commercial Director
fred@cpi-industry.com
+971 50 714 7204

Follow Us

CCME.NEWS

CCME.NEWS, covering the regional and global HVACR industry with an unwavering commitment to providing in-depth news and analyses on policy, business and technology

Contact Info

PO Box 13700,
Dubai Media City, Dubai
admin@cpi-industry.com
+971 50 714 7204

Follow Us

Premium Story

Euroheat & Power shares developments in District Energy worldwide

From climate awards recognition to financing signals and training initiatives, Euroheat & Power says the district heating and cooling sector continues to advance at scale

BRUSSELS, Belgium, 24 February 2026: Euroheat & Power, an international network for District Energy, said practical and scalable solutions for the heat transition are no longer theoretical. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Euroheat & Power said these solutions are operating today and delivering measurable results through District Energy systems around the world.

The 9th Global District Energy Climate Awards ceremony

According to the network, the developments are not limited to Europe. Euroheat & Power said that from North America to Asia, cities and campuses are demonstrating that clean and efficient heating and cooling can be deployed at scale. The network added that the global momentum was recognised on 18 February in Washington, District of Columbia, during the 9th Global District Energy Climate Awards ceremony, jointly organised by the International District Energy Association and Euroheat & Power.

Euroheat & Power said projects from three continents were honoured for advancing decarbonisation, improving efficiency and strengthening climate resilience. The network added that with support from the International Energy Agency, the IEA DHC Technology Collaboration Programme, the UN Environment Programme and the Asia Pacific Urban Energy Association, the awards have become a respected global benchmark for excellence in sustainable heating and cooling.

The network said the winners spanned five categories: New Schemes, Modernisation, Sector Coupling, Emerging District Energy Markets and District Energy in Developing Countries. Euroheat & Power said the categories reflect the breadth of transformation under way, from next-generation networks to upgrades of existing infrastructure and the integration of heating and cooling within wider energy systems.

Euroheat & Power said the projects recognised this year show a sector in evolution. Geothermal energy, thermal energy storage and large-scale waste-heat recovery, the network said, are becoming core features of modern thermal networks. Euroheat & Power added that across cities, campuses and communities, these systems are cutting emissions while reinforcing energy security and long-term affordability.

Euroheat & Power said international cooperation has become indispensable in a fragmented world. The network said initiatives such as the Global District Energy Climate Awards highlight how collaboration can accelerate the heat transition and strengthen climate leadership across continents.

Euroheat & Power said it has announced a call for applications for the DHC start-up arena at the Euroheat & Power Congress 2026. The network said the competitive pitching session would showcase breakthrough solutions across the district heating and cooling ecosystem, from generation and storage to digitalisation, efficiency, customer engagement and sector coupling.

Euroheat & Power said five selected start-ups would pitch live to industry leaders, utilities and investors, gain visibility within the DHC community and compete for one year of free DHC+ membership. The network added that it welcomes early- to growth-stage start-ups under 100 employees with scalable, high-impact solutions and said applications should be submitted by 31 March.

Providing policy updates, Euroheat & Power said 2026 has seen a bumpy start for key district heating and cooling files and shared a timeline of initiatives. The network said the European Emissions Trading System was in the spotlight and highlighted a European Parliament event on using metal industry waste heat for affordable clean heating.

On funding and finance, Euroheat & Power said a leaked draft of the Clean Energy Investment Strategy signalled a cautious upside for district heating. The network said the draft pointed to a major push to mobilise private capital, with energy investment needs of up to EUR 695 billion per year through 2040, and added that European Investment Bank (EIB) backed tools, de-risking mechanisms and improved access to capital markets were central. Euroheat & Power said signals for district heating and cooling were positive, highlighting regulatory stability and recognition of the system value of heat networks in easing grid expansion and integrating renewables and waste heat, and added that further sector specific detail was expected in the upcoming Heating and Cooling Strategy.

Turning to knowledge and innovation, Euroheat & Power said the DHC Academy Winter School had taken place on 3-4 February in Lund, bringing together VET trainers and industry specialists. The network said the programme had been organised together with Heatnet Global and supported by Alfa Laval, Kraftringen, Lund University and Daikin, and combined workshops with a visit to EES Brunnshög, which it described as the world’s largest low-temperature district heating network. Euroheat & Power said participants explored the skills and training needed to support the decarbonisation of heating and cooling systems and added that the event marked an important milestone for the DHC Academy project.

Euroheat & Power said the DHC Academy consortium met on 5 February in Lund, Sweden, hosted by Lund University, to review ongoing work and coordinate priorities for the year ahead. The network said that as the project entered its second year, partners had advanced work on the Higher Education and VET course catalogues and the development of the Academy’s digital learning platform. Euroheat & Power added that discussions addressed the governance and long-term vision of the DHC Academy Alliance to support its future sustainability and said the meeting confirmed a shared commitment to delivering practical, industry-aligned training for Europe’s district heating and cooling sector.

In member and industry news, Euroheat & Power said its member KARNO has secured EUR 82.5 million for clean heat. The network said KARNO has signed a strategic agreement with the European Investment Bank under the ELENA programme of InvestEU, unlocking EUR 82.5 million to deliver 13 decarbonised district heating projects in Belgium and Luxembourg over the next three years. Euroheat & Power said that with heat accounting for around 60% of urban CO₂ emissions and less than one per cent of Belgium’s demand met by clean heat networks, the geothermal, aquathermal and waste heat projects represent a concrete step forward for the heat transition in action.

Looking ahead, Euroheat & Power highlighted a series of upcoming events, including the DHC+ Innovators webinar series on 25 February online, the Strategic Directions for Heat and Cooling Transition workshop on 26 February in Brussels, Belgium, Accelerating the Uptake of Large Thermal Energy Storage on 27 February online, the DHC+ Innovators webinar series on 4 March online, Large Scale Thermal Storage: Flexibility as the New Energy Currency on 5 March online, the DHC+ Innovators webinar series on 11 March online, the 1st Linz District Heating Forum on 17 March in Linz, Austria and the Euroheat & Power Congress on 9-11 June in Krakow, Poland.

Premium Story

India’s sub-national electricity transition shows uneven but broad-based progress, report says

IEEFA says coordinated centre-state action and targeted interventions are needed to ensure momentum is evenly spread across states

CLEVELAND, Ohio, United States, 23 February 2026: The Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) said India’s electricity transition at the sub-national level is no longer marked by a few leading states but by broader, though uneven, progress across states. Making the announcement through a Press Release, IEEFA said the findings form part of a new joint report prepared with Ember, which it described as an independent energy think tank that aims to accelerate the clean energy transition with data and policy, assessing 21 states representing 95% of India’s power demand.

IEEFA said all 21 states assessed have progressed across multiple dimensions of the transition, adding that even states that had faced challenges earlier are now building momentum and presenting new opportunities for accelerated growth through targeted policies. The organisation said the uneven progress reflects differences in resources, development priorities and institutional capacities.

21 Indian states’ electricity transition performance

IEEFA said the third edition of its Indian States’ Electricity Transition report, developed jointly with Ember and based on a three-dimensional framework, shows that while some states continue to advance steadily in fiscal year 2025, others have built momentum and a strong foundation for rapid progress.

Vibhuti Garg, Director, South Asia, IEEFA and co-author of the report, said: “All the 21 states assessed have advanced on multiple fronts, even as the pace and areas of focus vary. Such divergence is inevitable at the sub-national level given the structural and historical factors, including differences in resource endowment, development legacies, states’ fiscal and economic conditions, rural-urban composition, and institutional capacity within the power sector. Going forward, understanding these state-level differences and gaps in progress is essential for designing targeted policies and interventions.”

Ruchita Shah, Energy Analyst, Ember and co-author of the report, said: “India’s electricity transition is maturing into a multi-speed transition, where instead of a single leader across all areas, we are witnessing new leaders in specific areas. This requires a more targeted approach to policies and interventions to ensure the momentum is evenly spread.”

IEEFA said that despite a change in methodology for SET 2026, including a recalibrated mode of measurement for the capacity addition parameter and the inclusion of hydro capacity, Karnataka remains a top performer in the decarbonisation dimension of the report. IEEFA added that Himachal Pradesh and Kerala have also performed well in expanding renewable electricity and decoupling economic growth from emissions, while Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Rajasthan have improved their performance owing to energy efficiency interventions reflected in their State Energy Efficiency Index 2024 scores.

IEEFA said the readiness and performance of the power ecosystem dimension, which assesses distributed solar adoption, power supply reliability and DISCOM performance, incorporates stakeholder feedback to strengthen the assessment parameters. IEEFA added that even after incorporating these changes, New Delhi and Haryana continue to perform strongly, supported by robust distributed solar adoption, reliable power supply and relatively sound DISCOM performance.

IEEFA said Chhattisgarh recorded a negligible power supply shortage of 0.07% in FY2025, while Bihar recorded the highest progress in smart meter deployment at 78% of its sanctioned meters under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme as of March 2025. The organisation added that Assam completed installation of 46% of its sanctioned smart meters under the same scheme.

Saloni Sachdeva Michael, Clean Energy Specialist, IEEFA and co-author of the report, said: “For states with potential to improve on this dimension, targeted reforms could unlock faster progress. Strengthening DISCOM finances, ensuring timely subsidies, adopting cost-reflective tariffs, and enhancing billing and collection through digitisation and smart metering will help reduce risk perception and enable DISCOMs to scale renewable energy procurement effectively.”

IEEFA said the final dimension, market enablers, examines state initiatives supporting adoption of electric vehicles and green hydrogen, as well as measures such as green tariffs and energy storage. IEEFA added that following parameter changes compared to SET 2024, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have emerged as the strongest performers in this dimension, supported by updated renewable energy policies, adoption of green tariffs and solar-hour-aligned time-of-day tariffs.

IEEFA said Uttar Pradesh has demonstrated strong momentum in EV deployment, while Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan have made moderate progress. IEEFA added that New Delhi recorded the highest EV adoption rate at 11.6%, followed by Assam at 11% in FY2025, adding that Assam also has an active renewable energy policy and solar-hour-aligned time-of-day tariffs.

IEEFA said Bihar has introduced a green tariff provision for FY2026 and created a policy environment targeting around 24 gigawatts of renewable energy by FY2030 and 8.2% EV adoption in FY2025. The organisation added that Bihar has offered a time-of-day tariff mechanism and undertaken auctions to integrate storage into its portfolio, adding that it could build further momentum by utilising more of its renewable potential and increasing clean power procurement.

Ruchita Shah added: “States such as Maharashtra and Rajasthan need to strengthen DISCOM operations, boost short-term market participation, expand distributed solar and smart meters deployment to better prepare their power ecosystem for the transition. On the other hand, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh need to accelerate mobility transitions, deploy energy storage capacities and strengthen ToD tariff and green tariff mechanisms to progress on their transition journeys.”

IEEFA said West Bengal, Telangana and Jharkhand remain in the early stages of transition.

Tanya Rana, Energy Analyst, IEEFA and co-author of the report, said: “These states face structural barriers and will require foundational interventions, like institutional capacity building, improved DISCOM finances, updated planning frameworks and clear, and long-term policy signals, to transition effectively.”

Premium Story

Epta acquires Hauser

Company says the deal strengthens its European footprint and takes group revenues beyond EUR 2 billion

MILAN, Italy; LINZ, Austria, 17 February 2026: Epta closed the acquisition of display cabinet and refrigeration systems company, Hauser, with an effective date scheduled for March 1, 2026. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Epta said that with the closing, Hauser has officially become part of the Epta Group.

Epta said that with the completion of the transaction, the combined Group now exceeds EUR 2 billion in pro-forma annual consolidated revenues and reaches around 10,000 employees, reinforcing its position in commercial refrigeration.

Epta said the Hauser brand will enrich the group’s portfolio of strong and well-established products and services brands, complementing the value proposition with strong expertise in turnkey projects and value-added services. The acquisition, Epta said, also brings geographic synergies in the DACH region and in central and south-eastern Europe, supported by Hauser’s production plants in Austria and Czechia.

Epta said the transaction enhances its position as an integrated solution provider, strengthening its ability to deliver complete, tailor-made solutions across the entire store life cycle, from design and production to installation and after-sales services.

Marco Nocivelli

Marco Nocivelli, CEO, Epta, said: “This operation marks a key milestone in Epta’s long-term strategy. Surpassing the EUR 2 billion revenue threshold is a significant achievement that reflects the strength of our industrial model and further reinforces our leadership in Europe. By combining competencies, technologies and scale, we significantly enhance our ability to drive sustainable and digital innovation. The acquisition of Hauser further strengthens our offering along the full value chain and consolidates our leadership in natural refrigeration and energy-efficient solutions.”

Thomas Loibl, CEO, Hauser, added: “Joining Epta marks a pivotal moment for our company. With a global partner that shares our core values, Hauser is well positioned to further consolidate its footprint while continuing to deliver long-term value to customers. This step strengthens our stability and creates new opportunities for sustainable growth and international expansion in an ever-evolving market, building on a shared commitment to innovation, quality and customer focus.”

Premium Story

Minister of Tourism inaugurates “Rixos Murjana” in King Abdullah Economic City

New ultra all-inclusive resort in Saudi Arabia officially inaugurated under the patronage of the Minister of Tourism

KING ABDULLAH ECONOMIC CITY, Saudi Arabia, 17 February 2026: The Tourism Development Fund announced the official opening of Rixos Murjana in King Abdullah Economic City. The Fund was the financier and investor of the project. Emaar Economic City was an investor in the project, and FTG Company was the developer.

The Rixos Murjana

Making the announcement through a Press Release, the Fund described Rixos Murjana as the largest ultra all-inclusive resort in the Kingdom and a new flagship destination that enhanced the diversity and quality of tourism experiences. The Fund said the opening ceremony took place under the patronage, and in the presence, of His Excellency Ahmed Al-Khateeb, Saudi Minister of Tourism, and Chairman of the Board of the Fund. Qusai Al-Fakhri, Chief Executive Officer of the Fund, and Fettah Tamince, Chairman of the Board of Rixos Hotels, attended the ceremony.

The Fund said the resort had been designed as a destination for families and leisure seekers and offered a blend of vibrant energy and serene moments along King Abdullah Economic City. The Fund said the resort featured 488 rooms and suites, many with sea views, alongside 33 villas and a range of hospitality, leisure and wellness facilities, a full fitness centre, sports complex expansion, and meeting and conference facilities. The Fund added that beyond its integrated facilities, the resort would generate 250 job opportunities for Saudis, underscoring what it described as the project’s broader developmental contribution.

Speaking on the occasion, H.E. Al-Khateeb said: “The opening of Rixos Murjana marks an important milestone in the development of high-quality tourism destinations across Saudi Arabia. It reflects the readiness of major tourism projects to move into full operations and welcome visitors from within the Kingdom and around the world. This project also embodies the role of the Tourism Development Fund in transforming investments into tangible destinations that enhance quality of life, expand tourism choices for families, and contribute to the goals of Saudi Vision 2030.”

Al-Fakhri said: “Rixos Murjana embodies the Fund’s vision to empower the private sector and attract foreign direct investment, and represents a qualitative step in developing exceptional tourism destinations along the King Abdullah Economic City. The project reflects the strength of national and international partnerships in delivering developments that elevate hospitality standards and enrich guest experiences, contributing to enhanced tourism quality and reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s position as a global destination for all-inclusive hospitality.”

Premium Story

Empower returns as Diamond Sponsor at IDEA 2026

Company says District Cooling is a strategic solution to reduce electricity consumption for space cooling

DUBAI, UAE, 16 February 2026: Empower announced its participation in the IDEA Campus Energy Conference 2026 in Washington, USA, as a Diamond Sponsor for the third consecutive year. Making the announcement through a Press Release, the company said the global event, organised by the International District Energy Association (IDEA) and taking place from 17 to 20 February 2026 under the theme ‘Advancing Thermal Networks’, brings together more than 1,300 attendees from around the world.

Empower said its participation in the IDEA Campus Energy conference aligns with its strategy to accelerate the transition toward sustainable solutions and reinforce the role of District Cooling as one of the key solutions for improving energy efficiency in modern cities. Empower added that this approach is supported by its investments in District Cooling infrastructure that it said leverage advanced technologies, as well as the implementation of international best practices in operations and maintenance aimed at improving efficiency and reliability.

Empower said it considers District Cooling a strategic option to support efforts to reduce electricity consumption for space cooling, citing what it described as energy savings and operational efficiency compared to conventional cooling systems. The company added that, in its view, this contributes to emissions reduction and improved urban living conditions.

Empower said its participation in this event provides a platform to exchange its expertise and best practices with energy sector entities and institutions, and to explore opportunities for collaboration and partnerships aimed at developing solutions focused on energy efficiency and sustainability.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower; Chairman, District Cooling Operators Association; Board Member Emeritus, IDEA, said: “Our participation in the IDEA Campus Energy 2026, as a Diamond Sponsor for the third consecutive year, reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the transition toward more efficient and sustainable energy solutions. We view this global event as an important platform for fostering constructive dialogue on the future of District Cooling and its pivotal role in reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in modern cities. Over the past years, Empower has successfully established an advanced operational model built on innovation, digital transformation and the implementation of the highest operational efficiency standards. This has enabled us to achieve tangible resource savings and enhance the reliability of services provided to our customers. Through our participation in this conference, we are keen to share our expertise and showcase our best operational practices, while also exploring the latest global technologies and solutions that contribute to advancing the sector. We believe that international cooperation and the integration of efforts among various stakeholders constitute a fundamental pillar for driving progress in the energy sector. We will continue to expand our strategic partnerships in a manner that supports urban sustainability and elevates energy efficiency to higher levels.”

Empower said that it has maintained its position as one of the leading sponsors of IDEA conferences and exhibitions, under the ‘Sustaining Sponsor’ program for the third consecutive year, reaffirming its continued commitment to supporting global events specialised in the District Cooling sector.

As part of its strategic partnership with IDEA, Empower said it supports several conferences and exhibitions organised by the Association, including IDEA Campus Energy and the IDEA Annual Conference & Trade Show, in addition to other international events dedicated to knowledge exchange and showcasing the solutions and technologies in this sector.

Premium Story

Dubai South moves into balanced residential growth phase

ZāZEN Properties says Dubai South is entering a more mature residential phase, with end-user demand increasingly shaping buying behaviour

DUBAI, UAE, 16 February 2026: ZāZEN Properties said Dubai South is entering a more mature phase of its residential cycle, with end-user demand increasingly shaping buying behaviour as infrastructure delivery and population growth begin to translate into long-term liveability.

Making the announcement through a Press Release, ZāZEN Properties said that looking ahead to 2026, Dubai’s residential market is widely expected to enter a phase of balanced growth, with price appreciation projected to remain moderate rather than speculative. The company added that residential property prices are forecast to increase between 4% and 7% in 2026, reflecting a stabilising market supported by sustained demand and a controlled supply pipeline.

According to ZāZEN Properties, this outlook is further reinforced by strong demographic fundamentals, with Dubai’s population projected to approach 4.7 million by the end of 2026, representing an estimated five per cent increase. The company said this growth is expected to underpin sustained long-term demand across both the rental and ownership segments.

ZāZEN Properties said that as buyer priorities evolve, clearer segmentation is emerging across Dubai’s residential market. The company noted that in premium mid-market districts under development, there is increasing emphasis on family-friendly layouts, adaptable living spaces, and community-oriented design that support long-term occupancy.

Madhav Dhar

At the same time, the company added that more central locations, including waterfront and mixed-use districts, continue to attract a balanced mix of investor and end-user demand. ZāZEN Properties said its approach in Dubai South reflects this distinction, with low-density planning and wellness-led amenities designed around everyday liveability.

ZāZEN Properties said that Dubai South’s outlook for 2026 and beyond continues to be supported by major infrastructure investments, including the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport. The company said this development further strengthens the district’s positioning as a live-work destination.

Madhav Dhar, CEO, ZāZEN Properties, said: “Dubai South is reaching a point where long-term planning is beginning to show real results on the ground. Infrastructure delivery, transport connectivity, and the growth of nearby employment hubs are now shaping how people think about where they live, not just where they invest. We are seeing a clear shift toward end-user demand, with buyers prioritising space, functionality, and community over short-term gains. This evolution is changing how residential projects need to be designed, away from speculative formats and toward homes that support everyday life, family needs, and long-term value.”

As Dubai’s residential landscape evolves, ZāZEN Properties said Dubai South is increasingly being viewed not as a peripheral market, but as a district where infrastructure delivery, population growth, and end-user demand are beginning to align. The company said this shift is likely to influence development strategies across the city in the coming years.

Premium Story

Tabreed reports FY 2025 revenue of AED 2.46 billion

District Cooling utility company reports a connected capacity increase of 19% YoY to 1.57 million Refrigeration Tons, and an EBITDA of AED 1.27 billion, with a margin of 51.6%

ABU DHABI, UAE, 13 February 2026: National Central Cooling Company PJSC announced its results for the period ending December 31, 2025, reporting revenues of AED 2.46 billion and net profit of AED 465 million. The results reflect continued operational resilience, record capacity expansion and disciplined capital execution, the utility company said through a Press Release.

Total connected capacity increased 19% year-on-year to 1.57 million Refrigeration Tons (RT) as of December 31, 2025, driven by strong organic expansion and acquisitions, Tabreed said. Excluding the impact of M&A, connected capacity growth was up 4.4% year-on-year, near the high end of the company’s guidance range, Tabreed further said. Organic additions reached 58,200 RT in 2025 – the highest level in the past five years – driven primarily by new connections in the UAE, Tabreed added.

According to Tabreed, inorganic additions totalled 190,800 RT, resulting from the acquisition of PAL Cooling in a 50:50 joint venture, alongside CVC DIF. Tabreed said it commissioned three new greenfield plants during the year and acquired five operational plants, as part of PAL Cooling, bringing the total number of its operating plants to 99 as a group. Tabreed said consumption volumes reached 2.62 billion RTH, a slight one per cent year-on-year decline due to relatively colder weather conditions. Throughout the year, operational availability and efficiency remained high, Tabreed said, reflecting its investment in innovative technologies and proactive asset management.

According to Tabreed, group revenue increased one per cent, year-on-year to AED 2.46 billion, underscoring the resilience provided by fixed capacity charges despite weather-related softness in consumption revenue. EBITDA, Tabreed said, increased by one per cent, year-on-year to AED 1.27 billion, with a margin of 51.6%, supported by operating leverage and efficiencies.

Net profit for FY 2025, Tabreed said, was AED 465 million, primarily reflecting the company’s continued operational strength while absorbing the impact of higher finance costs, following the refinancing of low-cost debt at prevailing market rates and additional debt raised to fund Tabreed’s investment in PAL Cooling. Reported earnings, Tabreed pointed out, also reflect one-off transaction costs related to the closing of the Palm Jebel Ali concession and PAL Cooling acquisition, as well as higher financing and fair value amoritisation charges related to the PAL Cooling JV.

Tabreed listed the following milestones:

  • Completed the acquisition of PAL Cooling Holding in a 50/50 partnership with CVC DIF for an enterprise value of AED 4.1 billion, adding c. 600,000 RT of concession capacity across eight exclusive concessions on Abu Dhabi’s main island and Al Reem Island (ADGM)
  • Signed a landmark joint venture and concession with Dubai Holding Investments to provide 250,000 RT of District Cooling to Palm Jebel Ali. Construction commenced in Q3 2025, with first cooling expected in late 2027 or early 2028
  • Commissioned three new greenfield plants during 2025 and added five operating plants as part of the PAL Cooling acquisition, deepening Tabreed’s presence across core markets and reinforcing high operational availability
  • In partnership with the UAE Ministry of Defence and Emerge, Tabreed completed the integration of around 4,000 solar panels supplying 2.4 MW of clean electricity to two Abu Dhabi District Cooling plants. This reduces reliance on the grid during peak periods and prevents more than 2,600 tonnes of CO₂, annually

  • Entered a long‑term framework with Johnson Controls to co‑develop next‑generation cooling technologies, including centrifugal chillers with variable‑speed drives and AI‑enabled performance analytics, supporting efficiency, reliability and regional climate‑neutrality goals
  • Strengthened the capital structure and liquidity profile through refinancing of debt and additional debt issuance, thereby extending average loan maturity and supporting growth investments
Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri (image courtesy Tabreed)

Commenting on the full-year performance, Dr Bakheet Al Katheeri, Tabreed’s Chairman, said: “2025 was a transformational year for Tabreed, marked by major strategic steps that have strengthened our platform for both the medium and long term. The addition of PAL Cooling and the Palm Jebel Ali concession have deepened our presence in core markets and expanded the scale at which we operate. Across the business, our teams continued to deliver reliably for customers while investing in the systems and infrastructure that will support the company’s next phase of growth. As a national champion in District Cooling, we are proud to support the UAE’s energy efficiency goals and remain focused on delivering capacity-led, concession-backed growth and creating lasting, sustainable value for our shareholders and stakeholders.”

According to Tabreed, as of year-end 2025, net debt to EBITDA stood at 4.6x, a temporary increase in leverage reflecting the impact of PAL Cooling acquisition. Liquidity remains robust, Tabreed said, supported by a fully undrawn AED 1.2 billion Green RCF and the absence of any near‑term debt maturities. Tabreed said it remains disciplined and focused on its capital allocation approach.

Tabreed said it strengthened its financial position during 2025 through the issuance of a USD 700 million Green Sukuk in Q1, executed under its Green Finance Framework, with proceeds directed toward refinancing of debt obligations. In Q3, Tabreed said, it doubled its Green Revolving Credit Facility to AED 1.2 billion from AED 600 million, maintaining original terms. This increase, Tabreed said, materially improves its funding flexibility and underpins its broader creditworthiness. In Q4, Tabreed said, it raised AED 1.8 billion new bank debt to support its strategic growth initiatives and optimise its capital structure.

Tabreed said it continues to hold investment-grade ratings from Moody’s and Fitch.

Tabreed said the Group’s Board of Directors recommended a final dividend of 6.5 fils for H2 2025, bringing the total dividend for the year to 13 fils per share. This, Tabreed said, represents a payout ratio of 71% of 2025 normalised net profit, aligned with historical levels, despite significant investment undertaken to secure long-term growth.

Tabreed said it is entering 2026 with a strong and stable core business, supported by long-term contracted capacity, high operational availability and disciplined financial management. Capacity growth and margins are expected to remain within its guided range, driven by continued real estate development, infrastructure expansion and delivery of new tourism destinations across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, Tabreed said. Demand fundamentals and customer relationships, it added, remain solid, and the organic capex programme continues to progress on schedule.

Looking ahead, Tabreed said, medium-term growth will be reinforced by the integration and ramp-up of PAL Cooling and the buildout of Palm Jebel Ali, both expected to contribute positively as capacity comes online. With a well-capitalised balance sheet and proven execution capability, Tabreed said, it is well positioned to deliver sustainable, capacity-led growth through 2026 and beyond.

Premium Story

SODECA presents HATCH ventilation systems with motorised dampers

Company highlights resistance testing, fire certification and façade integration features of its ventilation solutions

RIPOLL, Spain, 12 February 2026: SODECA presented its ventilation systems with motorised dampers, designed to improve energy efficiency in buildings. Making the announcement through a Press Release, SODECA said its HATCH system includes ventilation solutions with motorised dampers for the extraction of stale air from buildings and for smoke evacuation in the event of a fire.

SODECA said the system consists of the ROOF System for roof applications and the WALL System for façade installations. SODECA said its HATCH solutions with motorised dampers have undergone multiple resistance tests under extreme conditions, including snow and wind loads.

SODECA said the systems have also been subjected to fire resistance certification tests, in accordance with EN 12101-3 in accredited laboratories. SODECA said all ventilation solutions with motorised dampers are certified F400 and F300 for smoke exhaust in the event of a fire.

SODECA said its ventilation systems with motorised dampers contribute to lower energy demand and optimised energy efficiency, thanks to the automatic closing of the extractors when they are not in use. SODECA added that the systems offer the possibility of customising finishes and adapting them to the characteristics of the building, allowing the ventilation systems to be integrated into the building without compromising functionality.

SODECA said its ventilation systems with motorised dampers ensure the perfect integration of the façade, energy efficiency and smoke evacuation safety in the event of a fire within one ventilation system.

Premium Story

Eurovent Middle East to host webinar on Desert Certification scheme

Association says the new certification scheme provide realistic performance data at T3 with optional testing at T4 conditions

DUBAI, UAE, 11 February 2026: Eurovent Middle East said it will host a dedicated technical webinar on the recently launched Eurovent Desert Certification scheme, which will take place on 24 February 2026 from 11:00 to 12:00 GST over Microsoft Teams. Making the announcement through a Press Release, the Association said the session is intended for HVACR industry stakeholders seeking deeper insight into high-ambient performance verification.

Eurovent Middle East said air conditioning equipment in the Middle East is subjected to challenging operating conditions during peak summer months and that while most products have been tested in the past these tests have failed to independently verify performance at peak loads.

The Association said the new certification scheme provides more realistic performance data at T3 condition (46 degrees C) with optional testing at T4 (48 degrees C). Eurovent Middle East said the scheme also incorporates a unique seasonal efficiency calculation referred to as the Desert Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (DSEER).

Eurovent Middle East said the webinar will outline key technical aspects of the Desert Certification scheme and that the scheme represents the first high-ambient performance verification scheme in the region. The Association said the session will focus on explaining the technical framework and verification methodology behind the Desert Certification scheme.

Premium Story

US climate body responds to EPA’s volte-face on GHGs

C2ES President says the proposed action would undermine climate progress and economic opportunity in the United States

WASHINGTON, D.C., United States, 11 February 2026: The Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES) issued a statement from its President, Nathaniel Keohane, responding to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) forthcoming repeal of the Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding and Vehicle Standards.

Keohane said: “America needs leadership that will protect communities from the worsening impacts of climate change and seize the economic opportunities created by growing energy demand. This action fails on both counts. Instead, the EPA is piling on new problems by distorting the scientific record and turning its back on settled law, going well beyond reasonable partisan differences. It is an ideologically driven crusade that will threaten the health of our communities and undermine the economic wellbeing of our nation.

“EPA’s repeal of the Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding and climate pollution standards for cars and trucks will leave climate change unchecked in the largest polluting sector of our economy. While these protective guardrails may be gone, the reality of climate change remains. Climate-fueled extreme weather events are increasingly taking lives and wreaking economic havoc in cities and towns across the nation today, and that concern will only grow in the coming years.

“Stripping away the well-designed policy framework put in place over decades will not change that reality. What will change is the willingness of businesses to invest in America. No business asked for this; they see the rest of the world is racing toward the vast opportunity of the clean energy economy.

“A thriving, more prosperous future is possible: One in which abundant, affordable clean energy powers our economy, improves everyday lives and dramatically reduces climate pollution. The EPA has chosen a less prosperous path for Americans, making that reality far more difficult for families to achieve.”