District Cooling and carbon neutrality

The 7th Edition of DC Dialogue provides an opportunity to bolster the case for District Cooling as complementing efforts at achieving carbon neutrality, facilitates the comparing of notes on regulation, and gives a platform for the sharing of developer, technological solution provider and contractor perspectives. Indu Revikumar, Features Writer, Climate Control Middle East, has the story…

GEORGE Berbari, CEO, DC PRO Engineering, yet again called for linking District Cooling to efforts aimed at decarbonising our cities. Giving the opening remarks as Conference Chair during the 7th Edition of DC Dialogue, on June 6, in Dubai, Berbari emphasised the crucial role efficient and resilient cooling and heating technologies can play in helping cities achieve carbon neutrality. And the most effective technologies, he said, in this regard are those that are linked to renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind.

Broadly speaking, Berbari highlighted the importance of renewable energy, storage technologies and building retrofitting in attaining carbon neutrality. He spoke of how battery thermal storage systems could enhance operational efficiency, reduce water consumption and help avoid design modifications in renewable energy systems.

Berbari underlined Abu Dhabi’s endeavours in achieving carbon neutrality as a noteworthy example. He spoke of the energy production and demand imbalance in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the importance of retrofitting buildings to improve insulation and glazing. “In Abu Dhabi during the months of May and June,” he said, “the solar energy production is inadequate to meet the cooling demands, which poses a challenge for the government. However, in January, there is an excess of solar energy that could be potentially exported.”

He proposed establishing a public company to tackle the challenges in energy distribution and production. He said that the issue of surplus capacity could be effectively addressed by creating a comprehensive network, capable of efficiently distributing energy throughout the city. “This public company would require significant capital and could potentially form partnerships with other entities to generate revenue through efficient distribution,” he said. Berbari emphasised the importance of obtaining high-level authority approval and support from government officials to ensure the success of sustainability and energy-efficiency initiatives. He also expressed optimism about the future potential of Abu Dhabi in leading the energy transition.

James Grinnell, Acting Executive Director, Regulatory & Supervisory Bureau for Water & Electricity (RSB Dubai), speaking after Berbari, gave a Dubai perspective on District Cooling. In his Keynote Address on Dubai’s District Cooling-specific regulations, Grinnell echoed Berbari’s perspective on integrating solar capacity with District Cooling.

Grinnell highlighted the achievements of Dubai’s Independent Water and Power Producer (IWPP) programme, which he said has attracted