Energy experts, along with government and industry representatives, will come together in Dubai tomorrow for the opening of the International District Cooling Conference.

Held under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of Emirates Airlines and Group, the 7th International District Cooling Conference begins Monday at Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai.

Themed ‘A Climate Solution’, the conference will see the attendance of government officials, executives and industries representing international corporations operating in district energy, as well as designers, contractors, consultants and suppliers.

The conference is organised by the International District Energy Association, IDEA, and hosted by the Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation, Empower.

"We are excited to launch this global conference, and to meet our partners and competitors under one banner. We would like to emphasise the strategic contribution of the district cooling applications in reducing carbon footprints and the use of resources, such as energy and water, especially in countries where the environmental question remains a big challenge. This is the second time we host this platform here in Dubai; this is a reflection of the steps that we have taken in reaching our global environmental objectives. I take the occasion to thank H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum for continually supporting and embracing this initiative," added Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Empower.

Several panel discussions, roundtables, networking sessions, peer to peer meetings and presentations are to be held during the two-day conference, in addition to IDEA’s Carbon Champion award, to be presented at the gala dinner, along with technical tours to Empower’s Business Bay plant, BB-2 and Command Control Centre.

The companies that will be honored for their contribution include Empower, Emicool, Marafeq, PAL Cooling Holding LLC, QatarCool, Saudi Tabreed, Tabreed UAE and Tabreed Bahrain.

"IDEA is renowned for organizing outstanding conferences with highly qualified speakers and professionals in the district energy industry. We are proud of the collaboration with Empower to host this edition of District Cooling Conference in Dubai. We hope that we will bring valuable responses to participants and help in setting the district cooling sector as a ground player in the sustainable environment sphere. The conference will also address the effect of district energy infrastructure in the GCC, as it will allow us to receive an accurate response," said Rob Thornton, President and CEO, IDEA.

The conference includes an international trade exhibition that displays latest technologies and solutions in district cooling and will bring together IDEA members and suppliers from different countries.