November conference will be a historic step for the region in modernising district cooling services, says Fayad Khatib, GM of Qatar Cool

Fayad Khatib, GM of Qatar Cool

Qatar Cool, the pioneers of district cooling in Qatar, have cemented their partnership with the International District Energy Association (IDEA) to hold the 5th IDEA International District Cooling Conference in Doha, in November. 

The IDEA conference, a major international event, will bring together regional and international district energy professionals and industry leaders to Doha.

The theme of the 2010 conference is ‘District Cooling: Greener Buildings, Smarter Grid’, emphasising the advantages of district cooling systems in improving end-use energy efficiency in customer buildings and reducing the economic and environmental strain on the regional power grid. This is consistent with the leadership and corporate commitment of Qatar Cool, a private sector joint venture company, and other district cooling suppliers to energy efficiency and environmental performance. This is also in line with Qatar’s 2030 National Vision and its Environmental Development programme, aimed at finding harmony between economic growth, social development and environmental protection.

In this context, Fayad Khatib, GM of Qatar Cool, said: “We are honoured to partner with IDEA for their first conference in Doha and their 5th in the Middle East. This partnership marks an historic step for Qatar Cool and the region, in modernising district cooling services and proving to our stakeholders that district cooling is the way forward for all future cooling needs.”

Fayad Khatib and Rob Thornton during the centennial IDEA conference in Washington DC

Added Rob Thornton, President of IDEA: “We are thrilled that Qatar Cool has chosen to partner with IDEA for this important and prestigious conference – a first in Qatar, and hopefully setting a precedent for future IDEA conferences. We owe it to each other to continue our efforts to garner meaningful consideration for district energy in new climate regulations. We see Qatar Cool as playing an important role in the Middle East with regards to this. Global investment in cleaner energy solutions continues to accelerate. As an industry, it is important that we understand and contribute to adoption of energy and climate policies that recognise the importance of and potential for district energy solutions as a near-term climate strategy.” 

Continuing on the same theme, Thornton elaborated: “With over 100 years of continuous operation, IDEA is considered a global authority in the field of district cooling. Each year, at their Annual Conference and Trade Show, IDEA recognises industry growth and leadership. Last year, at the 100th Annual IDEA Conference held in Washington DC, Qatar Cool beat fierce international competition to walk away with two prestigious awards – The Bronze Award for District Energy Space 2008 Beyond North America for Total Square Footage Committed (Worldwide) and the Silver Award for District Energy Space 2008 Beyond North America for Most Total Buildings Committed” (Worldwide).