business interview | district cooling
on the role that Qatar Cool is likely to play, Al Jaidah says, “With growth of Qatar’s economy, its need for reliable and efficient energy distribution will also increase. District cooling is therefore one of the key technologies for Qatar’s future, and a central pillar of the Qatar National Vision 2030.” How does Al Jaidah assess the achievements of Qatar Cool since it was set up? Al Jaidah mentions that Qatar Cool has witnessed significant growth over the past 10 years. The company now has three operational plants, two in the West Bay area and one on The Pearl-Qatar. A fourth plant, situated in the West Bay area, will be opened in 2016 to meet the growing demand for district cooling. He adds, “At the same time, we are working with many major developments in the country to establish a district cooling system in their projects.” “The company,” Al Jaidah says, “has been recognised for our innovative practices by the International District Energy Association (IDEA), and the System of the Year award for both our districts, from IDEA. This is the highest honour to receive from such a prominent association.” Qatar Cool has also received the International Safety Award by The British Safety Council, the Industrial Building Conservation Award from Tarsheed Kahramaa and the best District Cooling Provider at the Climate Control Middle East award ceremony, among others. Talking about technology that Qatar Cool uses and how it achieves its objective of cooling without exploiting the environment, Al Jaidah mentions, “District cooling has minimal environmental impact and energy consumption compared to conventional cooling systems.” Al Jaidah adds that district cooling plants are operated more efficiently with less harm to the environment by eliminating factors such as noise pollution and “allows us to economise on natural resources”. Speaking about the technological preparedness of Qatar with respect to district cooling, Al Jaidah says, “Local authorities in Qatar have developed a conservation plan with all major district cooling companies in the country, which have access to readily available Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) to make the switch from potable water to TSE.” With respect to TSE and where Qatar Cool fits in, Al Jaidah says, “We are in the process of making the switch in our West 56 | The Edge
Qatar Cool’s facilities in the Diplomatic Area of West Bay.
490
million kilograms The reduction in CO2 emissions achieved by Qatar Cool since 2010.
Bay plants. TSE in the Middle East and other Gulf countries is a resource that is under exploited, with 40 percent to 60 percent discarded to the sea unutilised.” Citing Qatar Cool’s contribution to the environment, Al Jaidah tells The Edge, “We have prevented the emission of around 490 million kilograms of CO2 from the atmosphere since 2010. This is equivalent to removing over 93 thousand vehicles from the roads or planting 13 million mature trees.” District cooling is a sustainable solution, and is a viable business model, especially
in a country such as Qatar which witnesses extreme heat for around eight months of the year. Al Jaidah places the business context of district cooling in a wider picture by saying, “The country is seeing growth in its population, which currently sits at a little over two million, which has led to expansion of its commercial and industrial markets.” This growth, adds Al Jaidah, although contributing to the development of the country, has also led to an increase in the demand for water, power and cooling. Due to its energy efficiency, reduction in carbon emissions, and environmental benefits, the continued implementation of district cooling systems in Qatar will play an influential role in the country’s vision towards a greener future, through efficient and sustainable energy, Al Jaidah tells The Edge. Commenting on the cost implications of cooling skyscrapers on The PearlQatar and how that cost is charged to the customers, Al Jaidah mentions that district cooling has substantial benefits for the developer/customer and these benefits are not restricted to cost alone, but relate to enhanced aesthetics and