Ahmad Bin Shafar, the CEO of “Empower,” shared his expertise as a keynote speaker at the International District Energy Conference in Santiago, Chile, which spanned two days. He also serves as a special advisor to the United Nations Environment Programme and is an honorary board member of the International District Energy Association, as well as the president of the Gulf District Cooling Operators Association.
During the event, Bin Shafar participated in two main sessions. The first session, titled “Achieving the Long-Term Vision for the Global District Cooling Market,” highlighted the crucial role of the district cooling sector in advancing global sustainability goals. He presented impressive achievements of Dubai and the UAE in this domain.
His presentation received wide engagement from attendees, emphasizing the need for energy transition and the adoption of sustainable solutions to address escalating environmental and climatic challenges.
He underscored the significance of district cooling, which can reduce energy consumption by 50% compared to traditional methods, making it an ideal sustainable solution, particularly in regions like the Middle East, where around 70% of energy is dedicated to cooling. He shared the success story of “Empower” in Dubai, illustrating how the organization transformed from a city-focused initiative on energy efficiency to becoming the largest provider of district cooling services globally.
He explained that this remarkable growth stems from a long-term strategic vision, continuous governmental support, and investment in modern infrastructure and technologies, enabling “Empower” to serve numerous vital areas and projects in Dubai, providing sustainable and efficient cooling services to millions of residents and visitors. The second session featured a discussion among a distinguished panel of experts and industry leaders from around the globe, sharing insights and experiences on the future of sustainable energy.
Bin Shafar stated, “The UAE places great importance on sustainability and environmental preservation. Various strategies have been launched to increase the share of renewable energy, including the UAE Energy Strategy 2050, the Dubai Integrated Energy Strategy 2030, the 2050 Climate Neutrality Strategic Initiative, and the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy.”