Ahmed bin Shafar, the CEO of Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), met with leadership from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) during Empower’s participation in the ASHRAE 2026 Conference and Expo held in Las Vegas, USA.
The meeting included ASHRAE President William McQuade, Executive Vice President Jeff Littleton, President-Elect Sarah Mauston, and Treasurer Ashish Rakhiga. Discussions focused on the latest developments in the collaborative agreements signed between Empower and ASHRAE, reviewing progress made on joint initiatives, particularly research related to the development of the third generation of district cooling systems. The two parties also discussed the stages involved in preparing a guideline for district cooling, which is being developed to serve as a globally accepted standard applicable across various countries, aiming to unify best practices and improve efficiency in this critical sector. The meeting also explored research and development prospects in district cooling systems, as well as collaborative efforts to enhance energy efficiency and provide innovative, sustainable solutions that meet the needs of modern cities while contributing to emission reductions and achieving long-term sustainability goals.
Ahmed bin Shafar stated, “These meetings reflect Empower’s commitment to actively shaping the future of district cooling on a global scale, grounded in our strong belief that this sector is a fundamental pillar for enhancing energy efficiency and promoting sustainability in modern cities. Our partnership with ASHRAE holds particular significance. Through joint research projects and the development of standardized guidelines, we aim to establish scientifically and technically applicable foundations that support the evolution of the next generation of district cooling systems, reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, and enhance the resilience and sustainability of urban infrastructures. We believe that knowledge exchange and building international partnerships are the optimal pathways to accelerate the transition towards more efficient and sustainable cooling solutions that align with the aspirations of future cities and support global climate action agendas.”
Empower had signed two agreements with ASHRAE in 2024: one aimed at crafting and issuing a globally recognized standard guideline for district cooling systems, applicable in different countries, and the second focusing on developing the third generation of district cooling systems through advanced and innovative scientific research studies.