Empower and partners of the UN initiative “District Energy in Cities” sign Global Cooperation Agreement

In an effort to enhance the conservational impact and development of district cooling in the UAE, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider and a member of the Board of Directors of International District Energy Association(IDEA); and partners of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) District Energy in Cities Initiative, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU), a Global Cooperation Agreement at the 108th IDEA Annual Conference & Tradeshow held in Scottsdale, U.S.A, from 26 to 29 June  2017.

Earlier this year Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of the Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (EMPOWER), was chosen by the United Nations Environment to become the special advisor on district cooling within its “global district energy in cities” initiative.

The Global Cooperation Agreement defines common objectives and a collaborative framework intended to increase deployment of district energy in respective countries around the globe to increase energy efficiency, reduce emissions, strengthen local and regional economies, and deliver the social and environmental benefits of efficient district energy systems.

“At Empower we’ve always been committed to accelerate deployment of district energy. The signing of the Global Cooperation Agreement is a testament to support Dubai’s Integrated Energy Strategy directed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to build a green economy in the UAE and transform Dubai into a global centre for clean energy and green economy. While the agreement will facilitate international collaboration and cross-border exchange, it will also help us increase energy efficiency, enhance energy security, strengthen the local economy and reduce harmful emissions. In addition, it will also help educate and inform governments and citizens on the economic, environmental and energy-efficiency advantages of district energy systems in order to foster adoption of policies and regulations favorable for expansion and deployment,” said Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower.

In effect until 60 months from the date of execution, the Global Cooperation Agreement brings together countries such as Canada, China, Colombia, Denmark, Germany, Japan, Singapore, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America to jointly share effort to advance the district energy industry and promote sustainable and resilient technologies.

In addition, the Global Cooperation Agreement will significantly enhance the pre-existing mutual collaboration between several countries and allow for the achievement of sustainability and resiliency goals at a larger scale than previously possible. Furthermore, the countries will jointly develop, promote and disseminate operational best practices and standardised technical guidelines to support continued industry growth while ensuring reliable, efficient and sustainable operations.

Considering the impacts and growing frequency of severe weather events worldwide, resiliency and energy efficiency have become important considerations in infrastructure development. District energy systems are emerging as a key element for climate change mitigation and adaptation. The signing of the aforementioned MOU is intended to bring a more formal obligation to all involved parties to continue the support of sustainable growth and improved economic and environmental performance provided by new and existing district energy systems in communities across the globe.

“The collaboration between the countries who have signed the Global Cooperation Agreement will include policy advice, data and best practice sharing and the promotion of access to critical knowledge. This is a unique opportunity for Empower and we are pleased to support this important initiative to enhance global cooperation and increase sharing of industry best practices,” concluded Ahmad Bin Shafar.

Empower currently operates more than 1.250 Million RT, providing environmentally responsible district cooling services to large-scale real estate developments such as Jumeirah Group, Business Bay, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai International Financial Centre, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Ibn Battuta Mall, Discovery Gardens, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai World trade Centre Residences, Dubai Design District, among others.