Dubai, UAE, July 2, 2017: In an effort to enhance the conservational impact and development of District Cooling in the UAE, utility provider, Empower, which is a member of the Board of Directors of International District Energy Association (IDEA), and a partner of the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP’s) Global District Energy in Cities initiative, signed a Global Cooperation Agreement at the 108^th IDEA Annual Conference & Tradeshow, held from June 26 to 29 in Scottsdale, Arizona, in the United States.

Earlier this year Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of EMPOWER, was chosen by United Nations to become the special advisor on District Cooling within its “Global District Energy in Cities” initiative.

The Agreement defines common objectives and a collaborative framework intended to increase deployment of District Energy in countries around the globe to increase energy efficiency, reduce emissions, strengthen local and regional economies, and deliver the social and environmental benefits of efficient District Energy systems.

Speaking on the occasion, Bin Shafar said: “At Empower we’ve always been committed to accelerate deployment of District Energy. The signing of the Global Cooperation Agreement is a testament to support Dubai’s Integrated Energy Strategy, directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to build a green economy in the UAE and transform Dubai into a global centre for clean energy and green economy. While the agreement will facilitate international collaboration and cross-border exchange, it will also help us increase energy efficiency, enhance energy security, strengthen the local economy and reduce harmful emissions. In addition, it will also help educate and inform governments and citizens on the economic, environmental and energy-efficiency advantages of District Energy systems, in order to foster adoption of policies and regulations favourable for expansion and deployment.”

In effect until 60 months from the date of execution, the Agreement brings together countries such as Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States to jointly share effort to advance the District Energy industry and promote sustainable and resilient technologies, Empower said.

According to Empower, in addition, the Agreement will significantly enhance the pre-existing mutual collaboration between several countries and allow for the achievement of sustainability and resiliency goals at a larger scale than previously possible. Furthermore, the countries will jointly develop, promote and disseminate operational best practices and standardised technical guidelines to support continued industry growth while ensuring reliable, efficient and sustainable operations, Empower added.

Considering the impact and growing frequency of severe weather events worldwide, resiliency and energy efficiency have become important considerations in infrastructure development, Empower said, adding that District Energy systems are emerging as a key element for climate change mitigation and adaptation.