Qatar is keen to explore all possible and better ways to protect the environment and its development goals always promote the idea of sustainability and sustainable future. Qatar has emerged the leading country in district cooling regulation and production in the Gulf region, with a current capacity of one million tonnes of refrigeration (TR), which represents 17 percent of total air conditioning demand in local market.
District cooling means the centralised production and distribution of cooling energy. Chilled water is delivered via an underground insulated pipeline to office, industrial and residential buildings to cool the indoor air of the buildings within a district. Specially designed units in each building and then use this water to lower the temperature of air passing through the building’s air conditioning system.
Through this, Qatar reduces electrical consumption by 50 percent, reduces CO2 emissions and ensure a healthy and safe environment for the current and the generations to come. Qatar uses this technology to cool most of the 2022 FIFA World Cup stadiums and this will definitely inspire millions around the world to resort to sustainable ways of doing things. Now discussions are taking place to install the best cooling system design for all the stadiums. This energy efficient district cooling system will help to reduce the temperature inside stadium to comfort level enabling players and spectators to play and enjoy the matches.
At present, there are 39 district cooling plants operational in Qatar with a capacity of one million tonnes of refrigeration. In addition to the 39, 28 new plants are under construction, which will start providing cooling services soon. Sixty to 70 percent of Qatar’s electricity needs are for air conditioning. By using district cooling for air conditioning, Qatar can save much energy and also reduce pollution.
District cooling can bring economic, environmental and societal benefits to Qatar and if regulated in the right manner and it has large potential for growth. “Based on conservative estimates, through 2030, the district cooling can secure an estimated average of QR1bn of savings on yearly basis to the government. The savings are mainly achieved through reduced power plant capacity, electricity distribution network capacity and gas consumption for generation.” said Ibrahim Mohammed A Al Sada, Manager of District Services Department at Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa).
However, scarcity of water is the major challenge Qatar faces in making use of the system. Potable water is energy intensive and using alternative water sources faces some challenges. But it is certain that Qatar will overcome these challenges soon and will be a global champion of the system in the imminent future.
