Palm Utilities highlights strategic role of Palm District Cooling at inaugural Middle East District Cooling 2008 conference

The conference, which concludes today and extends to a post-conference masterclass on May 28, 2008, is highlighting an industry that is expected to grow 66.7% by 2010.

Palm Utilities is this year's Platinum Sponsor of the conference and is showcasing the services of subsidiary PDC, a global leader in the production and distribution of temperature-controlled chilled water for residential and commercial air conditioning. PDC, which is hosting the conference's Gala Dinner, is expected to significantly satisfy regional demand, which is set to generate up to 10 million tons of cooling service in the next five to ten years spurred by the booming construction industry.

"PDC remains a vital contributor to the global efforts to achieve sustainable energy; PDC's industry-leading performance has shown the long-term reliability and generation efficiency of district cooling. This conference provides the perfect platform for PDC and other industry players to discuss the trends, challenges and directions of what has become a key sector for regional sustainable development,"

said Shafiq M. Khoori, Managing Director, Palm District Cooling.

PDC currently supports the cooling requirements of several prestigious regional developments, such as Ibn Battuta Mall; Nakheel's Gardens; Dubai Multi Commodities Centre; Jumeirah Islands; Jumeirah Lake Towers; Palm Jumeirah Crescent; and Palm Jumeirah Trunk. The latest high-profile PDC customers include Discovery Gardens; Dubai Maritime City, International City Phase 2&3; Jumeirah Village South; Dubai Design Center; and Dubai World.

The utility company achieved a major construction milestone in 2005 when its awarded projects touched 550,000 tons of cooling capacity; PDC is targeting 1.1 million tons of cooling capacity by 2012 onwards. District cooling systems consume 40 to 50% less energy than traditional air conditioning technologies, thus complementing the regional trend towards eco-friendly building practices and contributing to the reduction of the power supply requirements of the region's growing construction industry.

Organised by Middle East Business Intelligence, Middle East District Cooling 2008 features panel sessions on various topics such as the role of district cooling companies in sustainable energy; regional energy demand; the Gulf district cooling sector from a global perspective; alternative chiller resources such as polished water and seawater; and new cooling technologies and technical challenges. The Conference also includes an exclusive real estate developer's roundtable; a case study on Qatar's district cooling market; and a post-conference masterclass on May 28, 2008.