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The US-headquartered
International District Energy Association (IDEA) - which
works to advance global environmental quality through
efficient district energy - estimates that the rapid
rate of Middle East construction will generate demand
for cooling services of more than 10 - 20 million Tons
of Refrigeration (TR) .
Speaking at the International District Cooling
Conference at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi, Rob
Thornton, President, IDEA said the regional real estate
sector, with more than US$ one trillion in projects
being planned or under construction, has adopted
district cooling as a preferred technology necessitating
the investment.
'Development of the Middle East district cooling sector
will outpace North America's by a ratio of 2:1 and the
region will maintain its world-leading position spurred
by IDEA members,' he told delegates.
The conference, which brought together over 300 industry
professionals from 20 countries, also hosted the launch
of IDEA's Middle East chapter which is headquartered in
Abu Dhabi where its regional offices will be based.
'The enormous residential and commercial developments
across the region including the wider Middle East will
require an immense amount of cooling services,' said
Dany Safi, Director, IDEA and CEO of Tabreed - the
Middle East's district cooling pioneer, who also chaired
the event.
'Governments and developers are conscious of the need to
employ energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly
technologies in all sectors. IDEA's Middle East chapter
has been set-up with a view to promote the technology
regionally and to give official representation to the
industry.
'The association will also help improve the technical
skills and knowledge of industry professionals and keep
them up-to-date with international innovations.'
Tabreed won two awards at the event. The company
received IDEA's Global Partner honour and Dany Safi,
scooped the Global Pioneer accolade.
Tabreed has been at the forefront of the Middle East
district cooling industry since its inception in 1998
and has been globally recognised for its visionary
leadership. It has operations in five GCC countries
including, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Oman and the
UAE as well as in Jordan in the Levant, where it also
provides district heating services.
Major projects being serviced by the company directly
and through its joint ventures and subsidiaries include
the UAE's Dubai Metro project and the Abu Dhabi National
Exhibition Centre's new development, the Bahrain
Financial Harbour and The Pearl Qatar.