Qatar Cool GM addresses district cooling conference in Seattle

IDEA delegates included industry leaders and technical experts in the field of District Cooling. This remarkably cost efficient and environmentally friendly cooling system is becoming increasingly popular all over the world, not least because of the considerable cost and space savings it affords building owners.

During the conference, attendees participated in a solid technical program, visited the trade show, toured two district energy plants and congratulated this year's new officers and board members and major award winners.

Mr Goulding's address to the Conference, titled 'Adventures in District Cooling', shared with delegates his experiences in Qatar. "The opportunities in Qatar are unique", said Mr Goulding, "and the learnings to be gained here are of value the world over. In particular, the speed of development here and the innovation and foresightedness of the leadership allow building owners to take advantage of new developments in District Cooling at an unprecedented level."

District Cooling works by supplying chilled water from a central location to a number of buildings via a network of pipes, removing the need to have chillers in each building and thus greatly reducing capital costs and running expenses for building owners. In addition, the system is environmentally friendly and virtually maintenance free.

Not only is District Cooling extremely cost efficient, the associated environmental advantages are significant. 50% energy saving means considerable reductions in power generation and the production of Co2, the major cause of global warming. District Cooling uses environmentally friendly refrigerants in a contained and controlled environment which, combined with rigorous health and safety standards, means less potential damage to the Ozone layer.

Qatar Cool's District Cooling Scheme in West Bay will be the result of a QR300 million investment program over the next few years. It will be able to supply more than 51,000 refrigerating tons of cooling, enough to meet the cooling requirements of 60 typical office buildings. Further schemes are planned for the future and it is estimated that over QR1billion will be invested in developing District Cooling schemes for Qatar over the next five years.

Qatar District Cooling Company, known as Qatar Cool, is a private sector joint venture company owned 50.5% by United Development Company (UDC), 44.5% by the Dubai registered National District Cooling Company (Tabreed) and 5% by private Qatari investors.