Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, has stressed on the important role that Research and Development (R&D) plays in the continuing efforts to improve and enhance the district cooling sector.

The company’s CEO, Ahmad Bin Shafar, emphasized the need to further consolidate Dubai’s position as a global hub for R&D, particularly in the move to drive in more development for specialized utilities segments while also helping achieve total sustainable development for the emirate. In line with this, Bin Shafar recently welcomed Mr. Donny Simmons, president of Trane® North America, Europe, Middle East, Africa, a world leader in air conditioning systems, services and solutions and a brand of Ingersoll Rand. During their meeting, both officials discussed business opportunities and projects between the two companies.

Earlier this year, Empower announced the agreement with Trane, to purchase 60 advanced, eco-friendly EcoWise™ chillers with a total RT of 200,000 which helps Empower drive toward their carbon emission reduction goals. The deal is considered to be the biggest in the recent history of the industry.  The Ingersoll Rand EcoWise™ portfolio of products is designed to lower their environmental impact with next-generation, low-global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants and high-efficiency operation.

Mr. Simmons visited Bin Shafar as Empower, being an important business partner in the Middle East region. Both parties agreed on exploring new opportunities within the energy and utilities sector, which in turn, could result in the shared goal of delivering innovative, energy efficient products and services that can help organizations reduce their environmental impact and achieve set sustainability targets.

Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower, said, “Simmons’s visit to Empower demonstrates Trane and Ingersoll Rand’s commitment to its business relationships. Our companies understand the value that R&D plays today, especially in the concerted efforts to drive in more development in the district cooling segment. The move to work closely together and explore potential projects and initiatives in energy efficiency proves to be both timely and strategic--further strengthening Dubai's position where knowledge is highly valued.”

Mr. Simmons stated, “We value our relationship with Empower and our efforts to enhance the local utilities sector while driving developments in key segments in order to achieve long-term sustainability goals. Our relationship with Empower illustrates the global demand for next-generation refrigerants and efficient products, and Trane is excited for the opportunity to work with a global leader to not only help them meet their goals, but also expand the positive impact of our own commitment to climate action.”

Recent industry trends have shown an increased awareness on the many benefits and advantages to be gained in utilizing district cooling solutions, which includes a reduced impact on the climate.  The local government has also developed and implemented key legislation that can further promote its use across today's buildings and infrastructure.

“Our commitment is made even stronger with our focus on R&D as an essential tool in helping grow the industry. We are upbeat in our efforts to achieve sustainability, which is one of the important goals of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai,” concluded Bin Shafar.

Empower provides 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.