His Excellency Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, delivered a keynote speech at the opening session - ‘Global Industry Leaders’, of the International District Energy Association (IDEA 2025) Conference and Exhibition, held in the United States. The session brought together top industry leaders, decision-makers, and experts from around the world.
During the session, Bin Shafar emphasized the vital role of district cooling systems in achieving sustainable development goals, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions. He asserted that district cooling is no longer a choice, but a strategic necessity for countries aiming to accelerate their transition toward a low-carbon, environmentally and economically efficient future.
He also shared Empower’s success story in Dubai, highlighting how the company began its journey in a city striving to improve energy efficiency and has since grown to become the world’s largest district cooling services provider. He explained that this exceptional growth resulted from a long-term strategic vision, continuous government support, and investment in infrastructure and modern technologies. These factors have enabled Empower to serve many of Dubai’s most vital areas and projects, delivering sustainable and efficient cooling services to millions of residents and visitors.
Bin Shafar stated: “District cooling is a fundamental pillar of sustainable urban development. It helps reduce electricity demand and enhances energy efficiency, which directly benefits the national economy, the environment, and quality of life in cities.”
He also called for establishing international legislation that encourages the adoption of district cooling systems worldwide. He stressed that the substantial benefits of this technology, in terms of operational efficiency, cost reduction, and emissions control, require joint efforts from both the public and private sectors to develop supportive regulatory and legislative frameworks.
Bin Shafar's keynote speech reinforces Empower's position as a global leader in the district cooling sector, reflecting the successful Emirati experience on the international stage and aligning with the UAE's commitment to a sustainable environmental vision and an innovation-driven economy.
