DUBAI, UAE, 13 January 2026: Empower said it has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the UAE’s sustainable development agenda through the adoption and promotion of energy efficient District Cooling solutions.

Making the announcement through a Press Release, the company said the reaffirmation comes as the UAE continues to advance national and global efforts to promote sustainability and climate action, coinciding with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week (ADSW) 2026. Empower highlighted the pivotal role of District Cooling systems in supporting the UAE’s sustainability agenda and accelerating national efforts to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said: “The UAE places strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental conservation, reflecting its pivotal role in mitigating the impacts of climate change. This is demonstrated through the launch and implementation of ambitious national strategies, including the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aim to increase reliance on clean and renewable energy and establish a sustainable development model. This strategic direction has reinforced the UAE’s international leadership in the District Cooling industry, driven by long-term investments in advanced infrastructure and facilities operated in line with the highest global standards.”

H.E. Bin Shafar added: “Sustainability is a cornerstone of Empower’s operations and a central pillar of its corporate strategy. The company plays a pivotal role in supporting Dubai’s sustainable future through District Cooling systems, which are among the most efficient solutions for space cooling, reducing energy consumption by up to 50% compared to conventional air conditioning systems, significantly lowering carbon emissions, and conserving resources while maintaining the highest levels of operational efficiency. Empower also continues to support smart cities and green buildings in Dubai by investing in cutting-edge technologies and innovation to enhance cooling efficiency and long-term sustainability.”

H.E. Bin Shafar further said that the growing demand for Empower’s services, amid the rapid expansion of the real estate market and the rising number of new development projects, reflects increasing confidence in the company’s environmentally friendly solutions and their wider adoption.

Empower said, ADSW, organised by the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, Masdar, is held from January 11 to 17, 2026, in Abu Dhabi, focusing on accelerating sustainable development under the theme “The Nexus of Next: All Systems Go,” uniting leaders to drive action in clean energy, finance, AI, and technology to build a more resilient future.

ATLANTA, United States, 12 January 2026:  ASHRAE said it has announced the technical programme for the 2026 Women in ASHRAE Leadership Symposium, which it said will take place on April 13 and 14, 2026, in Los Angeles, California. Making the announcement through a Press Release, the society said the symposium follows a sold-out inaugural event in 2025 and will return with an expanded agenda aimed at empowering women and allies across the HVAC&R and built environment industries.

Karine Leblanc, Symposium Chair, said: “This event offers professionals at every career stage, from students and early-career practitioners to seasoned executives, the opportunity to enhance leadership skills, grow their professional networks, and explore inclusive strategies for advancing women in the industry.”

ASHRAE said the symposium will feature keynote sessions delivered by speakers from academic and professional backgrounds.

The society said Gail Brager, Distinguished Professor of Architecture, University of California, Berkeley, will share insights from her leadership in building science and sustainability research and her experience mentoring emerging leaders.

ASHRAE said Sara Safari, empowerment activist and author, will also deliver a keynote address. The society said Safari will speak about her personal experiences in overcoming challenges and how those principles can inspire peak performance in technical teams.

ASHRAE said the breakout programme will include sessions examining how to inspire and attract the next generation into the HVAC&R trades and related technical careers. The society said sessions will also look at the role of artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies in improving building performance and commissioning outcomes.

ASHRAE said additional discussions will focus on developing executive presence through authentic confidence, clear communication and personal influence across technical and leadership roles. The society said the programme will further highlight case studies of women leading decarbonisation, electrification and net-zero building projects.

The society added that the breakout sessions will also address managing technical teams using emotional intelligence, with an emphasis on leading across diverse backgrounds, roles and experience levels. ASHRAE said in-person early bird registration for the symposium is priced at USD 495 for ASHRAE members and USD 545 for non-members. The society said early bird registration discounts will be available through February 6.

MILAN, Italy, 12 January 2026: Frascold said it has launched its new NEXUS screw compressors for high temperature heat pump applications in the industrial process heating sector. Making the announcement through a Press Release, the company said the launch comes at a time when boilers have historically been the primary solution to guarantee high temperatures and operational continuity across industrial processes.

Frascold said changes in the energy and regulatory landscape are prompting a reassessment of gas-only heating systems. The company said increasing fuel cost volatility is making the management of these systems more challenging, while climate neutrality goals set out in the Green Deal, Fit for 55 and REPowerEU are encouraging a longer-term approach to heat generation.

Frascold said industries ranging from drying and food processing to chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing continue to require stable and reliable heat. The company said industrial air-water and water-water heat pumps are emerging as a viable alternative capable of covering a wide range of temperatures with more efficient and flexible energy architectures.

Frascold said the key challenge for these applications lies in ensuring performance stability and reliability. The company added that this requirement is met by its semi-hermetic high temperature compressors, which it said enable industrial heat pumps to replace traditional boilers even in demanding applications.

Frascold said the NEXUS series brings together compressors designed to withstand high compression ratios and operate continuously under harsh conditions. The company said the technology combines high operating temperatures, compatibility with low GWP refrigerants and application versatility to support more advanced and sustainable solutions.

Frascold said the new generation of NEXUS screw compressors is the result of extensive reengineering to enhance reliability, performance and flexibility. The company added this includes the integration of high efficiency motors designed to operate in extreme thermal conditions.

Frascold said expanded temperature limits allow suction temperatures of up to 100 degrees Celsius, supporting operational stability during high power consumption. The electric plate, Frascold added, has been redesigned with an optimised structure to withstand higher operating temperatures.

Frascold said further modifications include new generation bearing materials and revised tolerances to compensate for thermal expansion at suction temperatures up to 100 degrees Celsius and delivery temperatures up to 150 degrees Celsius. The company said it has also introduced changes to the lubrication circuit, including a specific oil formulation to reduce refrigerant solubility and maintain optimal viscosity.

Frascold said crankcase heaters have been upgraded with up to four electrical heating elements to ensure correct oil temperature and viscosity before start-up. The company said a special external coating capable of withstanding temperatures up to 200 degrees Celsius has been applied to ensure long-term protection and durability.

Frascold said the NEXUS range is designed to operate with HFO refrigerants such as R1233zd and hydrocarbons including butane and isopentane in water-water configurations. The company said this provides system design versatility with a maximum operating temperature of 140 degrees Celsius and heating capacities exceeding 1 MW.

Frascold said the compressors support external inverters in the 30 to 60 Hz range to enable precise modulation of cooling and heating capacity. The company said the motors and lubrication circuit are designed to ensure adequate lubrication at high speeds and reduce mechanical stress over long-term operation.

Frascold said the NEXUS series is intended for large-capacity heat pumps with volumetric displacements ranging from 316 to 912 m³/h at 50 Hz and motors rated up to 300 HP.

Maurizio Mastrapasqua, Product Manager, Frascold, said: “The reliability of NEXUS compressors has been confirmed by a number of field applications, in particular, an in-depth test campaign conducted at the Danish Technological Institute between February 2024 and July 2025. During these tests, performance and reliability were verified even under the most demanding operating conditions.”

He concludes “Frascold is ready to introduce important innovations in the field of high temperatures, with future developments that will take performance to even higher levels.”

VELLINGE, Sweden, 8 January 2026: Safe Monitoring Group AB, an industry group of gas detector manufacturers, said it has closed the acquisition of Advanced Gas Systems Ltd. (AGSL), an Irish company that provides gas safety and fire suppression solutions.

Making the announcement through a Press Release, Safe Monitoring Group said the acquisition of AGSL supports its work to protect people, equipment and the environment from hazardous gas leaks.

Safe Monitoring Group said that AGSL was established in 2015 and that the company offers design, supply, installation and maintenance of gas detection, gas proving and fire suppression systems for commercial and industrial clients across Ireland.

Safe Monitoring Group said that, as part of the group, AGSL will collaborate with other companies on R&D, marketing, procurement, sales and service. The company added that this collaboration will be noticed by existing customers of AGSL and other group companies, who will have access to a wider range of products and services to support current and new applications.

Ross Larkin, Managing Director, AGSL, said: “I´m thrilled to be a part of Safe Monitoring Group and look forward to the expansion of both AGSL as well as the group with other companies joining forces with us.”

Alexander Larsson, CEO, Safe Monitoring Group, said: “I have got to know AGSL during the past year and I´m really impressed with their innovative product and solution. I´m looking forward to expanding the business together with the management of AGSL. Safe Monitoring Group will continue our expansion in new geographies and applications by organic growth and an ambitious acquisition agenda.”

Safe Monitoring Group said it has acquired 100% of the shares in AGSL and that the process was completed on October 23, 2025. The company added that the sellers of AGSL have re-invested and are now also shareholders in Safe Monitoring Group and will continue working within the group.

Dubai, UAE, 15 December 2025: Terracore said it has launched in the UAE as a brand focused on powering a new era of smart and sustainable living. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Terracore said it aims to redefine sustainable development by offering integrated technologies that create measurable impact for people and the planet. The company said it brings together innovation, design and accessibility to empower developers, homeowners and businesses to adopt future-ready ways of living and working.

Terracore said it was built to simplify the path to sustainability through a single integrated ecosystem combining HVAC, lighting, smart automation and solar energy systems to optimise energy performance, design efficiency and long-term operational value. The company said this approach enables property owners and developers to reduce costs, enhance asset value and achieve certifications such as LEED, the Dubai Green Building Code and DEWA compliance. Terracore said this sets a benchmark for sustainable development in the region.

“Terracore was born from a belief that sustainability shouldn’t be complex or exclusive,” said Tanishk Sajnani, Founder and CEO, Terracore. “We’re reimagining how sustainability is built, making it practical and attainable for everyone. Our goal is simple, to turn sustainability from an aspiration to an everyday reality,” Sajnani added.

Terracore said the UAE’s real estate and construction sectors account for a significant share of national energy consumption. The company said its arrival is timely as its integrated solutions allow developers to reduce energy costs by up to 50 percent while future-proofing assets through smart automation, solar integration and data-driven energy management.

Terracore said its first commercial project, Sourcehaus, will launch in the Al Quoz Creative Zone. The company said Sourcehaus is a LEED-certified destination designed as an experience-driven space that unites innovation, sustainability and design under one roof. Terracore said the project is curated as a “haus” for smart living and sustainable development and said it represents its ecosystem approach where technology, architecture and creativity converge. Terracore said its mission is to make the green transformation both smart and strategic. The company said that by integrating solar energy, smart automation, lighting and HVAC solutions into one intelligent ecosystem it creates efficient, adaptive and sustainable environments. Terracore said that as the UAE positions itself as a global hub for sustainable innovation it ensures every project, regardless of scale, can be part of that movement.

DUBAI, UAE, 11 December 2025: Bosch Home Comfort Group said it concluded a successful participation at HVACR World 2025, co-located with The Big 5 Global at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Making the announcement through a Press Release, the company said it presented its latest high-efficiency HVACR technologies and said its participation reinforced its position as a champion of climate comfort and its commitment to efficiency, decarbonisation and digital innovation across the Middle East.

Bosch Home Comfort Group said the event provided a platform for showcasing multi-brand climate solutions from Bosch Home Comfort, Hitachi and large-scale HVACR systems. The company said it focused on practical pathways for reducing cooling-sector emissions and achieving Net Zero 2050 objectives in the Middle East and that its specialists led technical discussions on system optimisation and the integration of intelligent controls in HVAC operations.

Bosch Home Comfort Group said that over the four-day event it demonstrated practical applications of hybrid and high-efficiency HVACR systems tailored for residential, commercial and industrial buildings. The company said visitors experienced live demonstrations of AI-enabled controls, smart integration platforms and low-GWP refrigerant solutions engineered to reduce energy consumption and emissions. Bosch Home Comfort Group said it continues to capitalise on every opportunity and said its momentum is advancing the company to what it described as the Champions League, solidifying its position among the industry’s top performers.

Bosch Home Comfort Group said it highlighted the breadth of its expanded global portfolio and emphasised the strength and complementarity of its leading brands. The company said Bosch Home Comfort showcased high-efficiency heat pumps, hybrid systems and intelligent energy-management solutions that enable smart and sustainable building operations. Bosch Home Comfort Group said Hitachi Cooling & Heating demonstrated air-conditioning and VRF systems engineered for precision, performance and scalability. The company added that YORK® presented large-scale HVACR solutions for industrial and infrastructure applications which the company said deliver long-term reliability and operational efficiency. Bosch Home Comfort Group said this integrated multi-brand offering underscores its ability to provide scalable, flexible and future-ready climate solutions that support energy efficiency, decarbonisation and digital transformation across the built environment.

“HVACR World provided an excellent opportunity to connect with industry partners, share our technical expertise, and demonstrate how innovation can accelerate the transition toward sustainable comfort,” said Ahmed Aqel, General Manager, Bosch Home Comfort Group Middle East & Africa. Bosch Home Comfort Group said it remains committed to collaborating with governments and industry stakeholders to build a low-carbon, energy-efficient future for the region.

The company said its participation reaffirmed its support for regional decarbonisation strategies through collaboration with developers, utilities and policymakers committed to advancing climate-resilient infrastructure across the Middle East and Africa.

Bosch Home Comfort Group said that by combining engineering excellence with digital intelligence it continues to develop climate solutions that balance performance, sustainability and user comfort. Bosch Home Comfort Group added that through its integrated approach it contributes to the global transition toward smart, connected and low-carbon buildings, supporting what it described as a more sustainable future for generations to come.

Bosch Home Comfort Group Exhibit

MILAN, Italy, 10 December 2025: Epta, a company in the commercial refrigeration sector, said it has supplied the refrigerated departments for two newly inaugurated supermarkets operated by the Silpo brand, part of the Fozzy Group retail organisation which counts more than 250 stores across Ukraine.

Making the announcement through a press release, Epta said Silpo is known for developing stores with distinct thematic design concepts for each location. Epta said the new supermarkets in Lviv and Vyshneve reflect this approach, with Epta stating that the Lviv store is inspired by the history of cyberculture and that the Vyshneve branch takes its theme from the world of financial markets.

According to Epta, the 1,500 m² layouts incorporate visual design intended to create an immersive experience built around tracing technological evolution. Epta said that in the first store this ranges from the earliest computers to the competitive world of online gaming, while in the second store it spans the paper-based era of Wall Street to the contemporary realm of cryptocurrencies. The company added that the interior design is developed using decorative schemes and themed scenographic elements, such as checkout counters resembling microchips, departments inspired by servers or areas evoking a modern stock exchange, combined with Costan’s refrigeration solutions.

Epta said that, supported by its preservation technologies, Silpo’s strategy focuses on experiential store design and product quality with the aim of enhancing the customer experience and fostering loyalty. Epta added that the functional versatility and aesthetic layout of its solutions ensures alignment with each store’s display concept, with Epta stating that this transforms them into an authentic design feature.

For both locations, Epta said it designed configured combinations of self-service refrigerated units and traditional serve-over counters to create an orderly flow that guides customers through the departments while enhancing product presentation. The company added that the interplay between vertical and horizontal models ensures a clear and coherent display of the assortment in line with the established sales format.

Epta said it outfitted all refrigerated departments in both stores and selected specific models for the Fresh Produce section, which Epta described as a key differentiator in customer choice of store, with the units customised in materials and colours.

Epta said the selection includes Costan’s GranFit range, noting that the GranValdaj semi-vertical cabinets operate at positive temperatures and are presented by Epta as ideal for enhancing the visibility and profitability of high-margin pre-packaged products.

Epta said the selection also includes Costan’s OutFit line of traditional counters named Velvet, which Epta said feature high load capacity, an upgraded display surface and optimal ergonomics. Epta added that these units are designed for the preservation of meat cuts, cold cuts and dairy products, and said the lightweight and transparent structure showcases the local gastronomic offer.

Additionally, the company added that the Vyshneve store includes the Fresh Produce area and the OutFit range self-service refrigerated unit, Silk, which Epta said offers a balance between display volume and floor footprint along with a complementary panoramic island dedicated to promotional sales.

Taras Nikolaienko, Director, Centralised Procurement, Silpo, said: “The installation of transcritical CO₂ systems, with ducted remote units, has also enabled significant energy savings, crucial in the Ukrainian context, which is marked by recurring energy crises. This is particularly important considering that the Lviv store serves as a true resilience point for the community in the event of power outages, offering free Wi-Fi and charging stations, in line with the brand’s Customer Intimacy strategies.”

Lviv store

Vyshneve store

DUBAI, UAE, 9 December 2025: Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) said it will serve as the diamond sponsor of the International District Energy Association (IDEA) conferences and exhibitions in 2026. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Empower said the sponsorship covers IDEA Campus Energy 2026, IDEA 2026 and other events under the association’s Annual Sustaining Sponsor programme.

Empower said its continued sponsorship for the third consecutive year reflects its ongoing commitment in the global District Cooling sector and its role in facilitating communication and knowledge exchange among key players in the energy and cooling sectors.

The company said IDEA’s events bring together utility sector leaders, energy experts, decision-makers and technology innovators from around the world to explore the latest solutions in District Cooling, heating and sustainable energy infrastructure. Empower added that the events serve as a global forum for sharing best practices that support the advancement of the District Energy sector and strengthen its future worldwide.

According to Empower, IDEA events also provide opportunities for various entities and organisations to showcase their practices and innovations, driving resilience and sustainability in District Cooling systems in cities, university campuses and communities. Empower said that its participation reinforces UAE’s leadership in sustainable urban development and underscores its commitment to global knowledge sharing for the advancement of the sector.

Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said: “Empower’s Diamond Sponsorship of the International District Energy Association (IDEA) 2026 events is an extension of our firm commitment to supporting the global development of the District Cooling sector and consolidating the UAE’s pioneering position in energy efficiency initiatives. At Empower, we believe that the future of District Cooling depends on integrating innovation and collaboration. Therefore, we are keen to actively participate in international platforms that bring together experts and decision-makers to exchange experiences and formulate solutions that contribute to building more resilient and sustainable cooling systems. Our participation for the third year in a row reaffirms Empower’s pivotal role in driving the transformation toward more sustainable cities and strengthening our ability to share our advanced expertise and enrich the global dialogue on the future of District Cooling.”

Rob Thornton, President, CEO, IDEA, said: “Empower’s continued sponsorship of IDEA’s events demonstrates its strong leadership and longstanding commitment to supporting the development of the district energy sector on a global scale. We highly appreciate their contribution and look forward to productive discussions at the upcoming 2026 events and to building on the advancements achieved in previous years to strengthen the sector’s future further”

Empower said its sponsorship of IDEA’s events serves as a strategic platform for the company to showcase its recent achievements in the District Cooling sector, including its experience in developing urban cooling infrastructure and implementing global technologies in energy efficiency and sustainability. The company added that these developments support its position in the global market and contribute to wider discussions on the future direction of the District Cooling industry.

ANTWERP, Belgium, 2 December 2025: BAC, a manufacturer of evaporative cooling and heat transfer products, announced its immersion cooling tank has been approved as part of the Intel Data Center Certified Solution for Immersion Cooling for fourth- and fifth-generation Intel Xeon Scalable processors. Making the announcement through a Press Release, the company said the approval marks a significant milestone in industry efforts to validate next-generation immersion cooling solutions that meet the efficiency and sustainability demands of modern data centers.

According to BAC, the Intel Data Center Certified Solution for Immersion Cooling is the result of rigorous testing and collaboration between the company and IT hardware manufacturers, highlighting the strength of cross-industry cooperation to accelerate the development of high-performance cooling systems. The certification, BAC added, allows Intel to offer a Xeon Processor Single-Phase Immersion Warranty Rider, intended to provide customers with greater confidence in the durability, efficiency and compatibility of immersion-cooled IT infrastructure.

BAC said as part of the program, testing was conducted at Advanced Data Center Development Lab in Hillsboro, Oregon, United States. BAC said its immersion cooling tanks with patented CorTex technology played a key role in delivering reliable system performance. Jan Tysebeert, General Manager, Data Center, BAC, said: “Immersion cooling represents a critical advancement in data center thermal management and this approval is a powerful validation of that progress.”

BAC said the approval builds on its ongoing work in the design and development of high-efficiency data center cooling technologies. The company added that its COBALT immersion cooling system combines indoor immersion tanks with outdoor heat rejection, enabling data centers to achieve some of the industry’s lowest Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) values while enhancing uptime and sustainability.

Tysebaert added: “Through rigorous joint testing and validation by Intel, we’ve demonstrated that immersion cooling can safeguard and enhance IT hardware performance while delivering more energy efficiency than ever before. Programs like this are essential to accelerating industry adoption by ensuring every component — tank, fluid, processor and memory — meets the same high standards of reliability and performance.”

BAC said it continues to collaborate with global technology partners to advance immersion cooling standards, promote sustainable computing and help customers deploy scalable, energy-efficient data center solutions.

ARLINGTON, Virginia, United States, December 2 2025: The Air-Conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute (AHRI) said it has offered several recommendations to the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee in advance of the Committee’s consideration of a bill to reform the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA). Making the announcement through a Press Release, AHRI said EPCA underpins the nation’s appliance energy efficiency standards programme. The association said it applauds the effort to reform the 50-year-old statute which it noted has not been amended for nearly 20 years. AHRI said it recommends steps to ensure a more effective and transparent law that takes into account today’s technologies. The association added that its recommendations aim to maintain American manufacturing preeminence and support American job creation while enhancing national security through energy efficiency and grid resilience.

AHRI said it recommends strengthening federal pre-emption to ensure a unified appliance energy policy. The association said it is calling for a single national energy policy that ensures safe, reliable and affordable access to essential heating and cooling products while avoiding regulatory fragmentation. AHRI added that regulatory fragmentation could harm innovation and consumers.

The association said it recommends ensuring regulatory predictability and consumer affordability by maintaining anti-backsliding provisions and added that these provisions provide business certainty to manufacturers and customers. AHRI said they ensure that long-term capital investments are not undermined or stranded and that it supports setting a new minimum 10-year lookback period for evaluating standards. The association said it recommends prohibiting the Department of Energy (DOE) from regulating component parts separately to avoid double regulation and increased costs. AHRI said it recommends ensuring that DOE follows its own Process Rule.

AHRI said it also recommends developing realistic and transparent standards and said it supports enhancing the law’s current requirement that efficiency standards must be economically justified and technologically feasible. The association said the standards must be based on sound analysis that considers product characteristics and attributes important to consumers. AHRI said the standards must ensure that consumers can afford and realise the value of their investment in new innovative products.

The association said it recommends modernising compliance and labelling and added that compliance dates should be based on the date of manufacture to avoid stranded inventory.

AHRI said manufacturers should be empowered to use electronic labelling such as QR codes to modernise consumer information sharing and reduce complexity.

Stephen Yurek, President and CEO, AHRI, said: “Congress has a unique window of opportunity here to enact necessary changes to a successful, but outdated law. As manufacturers committed to innovation, efficiency, and affordability, we want to continue to partner with Congress and with the Department of Energy to ensure a robust, transparent, and affordable efficiency standards process.”