Mubasher: Dubai is hosting a two-day event, MENA District Cooling Projects Conference, to bring together experts and government officials to highlight the $15 billion (AED 55 billion) project opportunities in the district cooling sector.
These opportunities represent 10% of the $150 billion global district cooling market, according to a press release on Tuesday.
With the participation of more than 250 industry experts and government officials, the conference is being held on 14-15 June at Hotel Raffles Dubai in the UAE to explore ways to make the growing district cooling sector more sustainable and efficient.
As part of the conference, more than 20 leading organisations from 10 countries are presenting their products and services through an exhibition.
District Cooling Market Growth
The sector is expanding at a fast pace in the GCC and MENA amid climate conditions and increased infrastructure spending, leading many businesses in the region to adopt district cooling systems due to their cost-efficiency and long-term service.
The district cooling systems use 50% less energy than air conditioners, which helps in reducing initial capital investment and maintenance costs.
In addition to their capability to enhance building space utilisation, reduce refrigerant use, and cut the cost of cooling services, the systems can operate for up to a 30-year span.
Hence, most countries in the Middle East seek to install new district cooling plants to reduce their carbon emissions, with countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt already launching many district cooling projects across the region.
The Managing Director of Saudi Tabreed, Suliman Al Khliwi, said: "The district cooling market is expanding in Saudi Arabia where lots of new concession areas are coming up for all the district cooling providers. It is an exciting time for all of us."
Meanwhile, the District Cooling Regulation Senior Specialist at the Abu Dhabi Department of Energy, Leila Noubough Nasr, commented: "We have so far issued four licenses with 230,000 RT licensed capacity in the emirate. One of the key achievements has been reduced consumption charge for the residential end-users."
