Ahmed bin Shafar, the CEO of Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), engaged in discussions with leaders from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) regarding ongoing collaborative efforts to create a global standard guide for district cooling and the advancement of the third generation of systems in this essential sector.
This dialogue took place at the annual conference and exhibition held by ASHRAE in the United States, where both parties reviewed the progress made on agreements signed between them. The aim of these agreements is to unify global best practices in the design and operation of district cooling systems, enhancing energy efficiency and supporting sustainability initiatives.
The two sides deliberated on the phases of developing the standard guide, which is intended to standardize operational and engineering best practices for this vital sector worldwide. This effort will promote energy efficiency and establish sustainability foundations in modern cities. They also explored avenues for research and development in district cooling technologies, as well as their joint initiatives to provide more efficient and innovative solutions that contribute to reducing carbon emissions and supporting climate action goals.
Ahmed bin Shafar emphasized that the collaboration with ASHRAE reflects Empower’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in the global development of district cooling. He pointed out that this partnership combines Empower’s extensive operational expertise, as the largest provider of district cooling services worldwide, with ASHRAE’s leading research and standardization capabilities.
He noted that joint efforts to develop standard guides and specialized scientific research would establish globally applicable technical references, facilitating the advancement of the new generation of district cooling systems, and enhancing the resilience and efficiency of urban infrastructure, in line with future cities’ aspirations for more sustainable and efficient energy solutions.
It is worth mentioning that Empower signed two agreements with ASHRAE in 2024, the first aimed at creating and issuing a global standard guide for district cooling, and the second focused on conducting advanced scientific research to develop the third generation of district cooling systems.