A cool idea to conserve energy

The Government of Sharjah has approved plans to set up two district cooling plants in Al Khan and Al Mamzar areas where a large number of new towers are being built. This is a welcome move, as the rest of the country is looking at means to reduce energy and power consumption.

District cooling has already been in place in the UAE, spearheaded by companies such as Tabreed, Empower and Palm District Cooling, who have established plants in various locations. The majority of the new master-planned communities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi will be powered by district cooling plants that will help the people of the UAE to reduce their utility consumption.

Although a latecomer in district cooling business, the move indicates a shift in the government's views which could encourage other emirates such as Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah where large-scale developments could benefit from district cooling.