‘Development of green technologies and infrastructure ensures economic growth is parallel to environmental protection’

Qatar’s first International Environment Protection Conference & Exhibition, in partnership with Qatar Cool and the Ministry of Environment under the patronage of H.E. Abdullah bin Mubarak Al Midhadi, took place last month. Qatar Cool CEO, Fayad Al Khatib and management attended the event that took place from October 16 to 18, along with high profile ministers and VIPs.

Al Khatib said, “As part of our commitment to sustainable business development in Qatar, Qatar Cool are proud to be gold sponsors of the first ecoQ Exhibition and Conference. ecoQ will help us to showcase our district cooling technology among 50 local and international companies to exchange the latest and most advanced information on subjects related to the environment and sustainable energy solutions.”

Fayad Al Khatib presents District Cooling Technology to ecoQ Conference

“Going green starts with awareness. We believe that it is our duty as the private sector to engage the public so as to develop greater awareness, thereby supporting the public sector in building a greener future. If we can change our point of view, we can shape our situation and we will have resources to change the world.”

“The development of green technologies and the implementation of a green infrastructure across our industry is creating a positive cycle in which economic growth is parallel to environmental protection. We hope to spread our growth model in this perspective beyond borders.”

Al Khatib also presented the District Cooling & The Global Energy Challenge to delegates at the ecoQ at the Doha Exhibition Centre, last month.

He outlined the global energy challenge facing the planet today, saying: “Two hundred years ago, one city in the world had a population of over one million. Today, there are 281 cities in the world with a population of over one million. This growth is one of the major driving forces behind increasing CO2 emissions worldwide.”

“These emissions mean our planet is heating up. This, coupled with the 140,000 Km2 of forest destruction yearly leaves us with a major CO2 crisis, which we, as global players, need to address.”

Mitigating measures are taking place internationally through the Kyoto Protocol of February 2005, the European Emission Trading Schemes and the Greenhouse Gas Initiative in the USA.

Qatar’s 2030 National Vision outlined its Environmental Development Programme highlighting environmental protection and green building solutions as one of the key areas to develop.

Qatar Cool’s district cooling technology incorporates energy saving solutions as part of its day-to-day operations.

Fayad Al Khatib and the Minister of Environment at Qatar Cool Exhibit

In the Middle East, the demand for air conditioning uses up to 70% of power available regionally. District cooling uses 40-60% less power than conventional systems, with the ability to cool vast areas from one single plant.

The expected cooling demand in Qatar prior to the successful World Cup bid reached 600,000 TR.

This amount of refrigeration needs 1,200 MW of power using conventional systems, compared with 720MW through district cooling.

“As our history shows,” Al Khatib said, “our understanding of sustainability is closely linked to Qatar cool being responsible, innovative and leading. We have been monitoring and recording our operations over our six year history, allowing us to verify the energy and emission savings compared with conventional cooling systems. District cooling is the balanced solution between energy, environment and economy, making it an obvious choice in this harsh climate.”