November 27, 2017, Dubai, UAE: District Cooling utility provider, Empower has through a Press communiqué stressed on the important role that Research and Development (R&D) plays in the continuing efforts to improve and enhance the District Cooling sector.

The company’s CEO, Ahmad Bin Shafar, emphasised the need to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a global hub for R&D, particularly in the move to drive in more development for specialised utilities segments while also helping achieve total sustainable development for the emirate. In line with this, Bin Shafar recently welcomed Donny Simmons, President of Trane North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa. During their meeting, both officials discussed business opportunities and projects between the two companies, the communiqué said.

Earlier this year, Empower announced the agreement with Trane, to purchase 60 advanced, eco-friendly EcoWise chillers with a total capacity of 200,000 tonnes of refrigeration (TR), which the communiqué said, would help Empower drive towards its carbon emission reduction goals. The deal is considered to be the biggest in the recent history of the industry, the communiqué said. The EcoWise portfolio of products is designed to lower environmental impact with next-generation, low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and high-efficiency operation, the communiqué added.

Simmons, the communiqué said, visited Bin Shafar, during which both parties agreed on exploring new opportunities within the energy and utilities sector, which in turn, could result in the shared goal of delivering innovative, energy-efficient products and services that can help organisations reduce their environmental impact and achieve set sustainability targets.

Bin Shafar said: “Simmons’s visit to Empower demonstrates Trane and Ingersoll Rand’s commitment to its business relationships. Our companies understand the value that R&D plays today, especially in the concerted efforts to drive in more development in the District Cooling segment. The move to work closely together and explore potential projects and initiatives in energy efficiency proves to be both timely and strategic, further strengthening Dubai’s position, where knowledge is highly valued.”

Simmons said: “We value our relationship with Empower and our efforts to enhance the local utilities sector while driving developments in key segments in order to achieve long-term sustainability goals. Our relationship with Empower illustrates the global demand for next-generation refrigerants and efficient products, and Trane is excited for the opportunity to work with a global leader to not only help them meet their goals but also expand the positive impact of our own commitment to climate action.”