Dubai, UAE - 13, June 2022: Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, Board Member Emeritus of International District Energy Association (IDEA) and the Chairman of Dubai's District Cooling Operators Association, showcased effective strategies for achieving sustainable global urban growth through modern technologies that increase energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and protect natural resources, during his participation in the most prominent panel discussion, ‘Building Connections’, of the IDEA annual conference, held in Toronto, Canada. 

 

He stressed the importance of district cooling services and highlighted Empower's experience as a leader of this vital industry globally, in addition to its unique adoption of advanced technologies in management and control processes. Bin Shafar also shed light on the increasing demand for district cooling services as a preferred alternative to conventional air conditioners in the Middle East, where approximately 70% of the electricity used in buildings goes for air-conditioning. Adopting district cooling is the best solution in terms of reducing energy and associated cost, as well as offering harmless to the environment. 

Bin Shafar highlighted the importance of dealing with the important issue of global warming and climate changes by adopting advanced technologies in district cooling services. He also explained that it has become necessary to enhance the role of district cooling within the general trend in the region towards environmental sustainability solutions.

 

During the session that witnessed a huge participation of IDEA members, including officials and decision-makers from the public and private sectors from around the world, Bin Shafar presented his forward-looking vision for the aspects of change required for flourishing the district cooling sector, where he reviewed a future outlook for the industry. He presented several new ideas, policies, business models and trends related to supporting all directions of sustainable energy for cities, communities and universities. 

 

He explained that the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, UAE Net Zero 2050 strategic initiative, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, and the Dubai Strategy to reduce carbon emissions have jointly consolidated a culture of adopting district cooling systems among the real estate developers, owners and end-users. 'I call on the participants of this conference to continue efforts aimed at expanding the district cooling industry in all countries of the world to enable communities to make the most of the economic, social and health benefits of this systems, including the preservation of natural resources and protection of the environment.” Bin Shafar added.

 

In addition to exploring multiple effective methods to increase efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, the Conference highlighted Dubai's leading position in the district cooling industry, demonstrating the Emirate's pioneering experience in the industry. The event also stressed district cooling's role in building sustainable cities, and tackled the need for reducing energy budgets and raising operational efficiency through automation and machine learning in the district cooling industry.