Company says discussions focused on developing a global District Cooling standard and advancing research into third-generation systems

DUBAI, UAE, 4 February 2026:

Empower said H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), met with the leadership of the American Society of Heating Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) on the sidelines of the company’s participation in the 2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference held in Las Vegas. Making the announcement through a Press Release, Empower said the meeting reviewed developments in the global District Cooling sector and discussed what it described as the growing role of District Cooling in advancing energy efficiency and supporting the sustainability objectives of modern cities.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar meets ASHRAE leadership

Empower said the meeting was attended by William McQuade, President, ASHRAE, alongside Jeff Littleton, Executive Vice President, ASHRAE; Sarah Maston, President-elect, ASHRAE; and Ashish Rakhijja, Treasurer, ASHRAE. Empower said the discussions focused on reviewing progress achieved across joint initiatives under its collaboration agreements with ASHRAE, with particular emphasis on research into third-generation District Cooling systems.

Empower said the two sides also discussed progress in developing a globally recognised District Cooling standard applicable across various countries, which the company said is expected to contribute to unifying best practices and improving efficiency.

Empower said the meeting further explored prospects for research and development in District Cooling systems alongside joint efforts to enhance energy efficiency and deliver solutions intended to support modern cities, contribute to emissions reduction and advance long-term sustainability objectives.

H.E. Bin Shafar said: “These meetings reflect Empower’s commitment to actively shaping the future of District Cooling at the global level driven by our firm belief that this sector is a cornerstone for enhancing energy efficiency and advancing sustainability in modern cities. Our partnership with ASHRAE is particularly significant as it represents the integration of Empower’s accumulated practical expertise as the world’s largest District Cooling services provider with the Society’s research capabilities and leadership in the development of technical standards.”

H.E. Bin Shafar added: “Through joint research initiatives and the development of standardised guidelines, we are working to establish globally applicable scientific and technical foundations that support the advancement of the next generation of District Cooling systems, contribute to reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions and strengthen the resilience and sustainability of urban infrastructure. We believe that knowledge sharing and the development of international partnerships represent the most effective pathway to accelerating the transition towards more efficient and sustainable cooling solutions in line with the aspirations of future cities and in support of global climate action agendas.”

Empower said it signed two agreements with ASHRAE in 2024, stating that the first focuses on developing a unified globally approved District Cooling standard and that the second covers the development of third-generation District Cooling systems through scientific research studies.

Empower said it concluded its participation in the 2026 ASHRAE Winter Conference, adding that its involvement formed part of a strategy to strengthen its international presence and contribute to shaping the future of District Cooling by broadening the scope of dialogue and collaboration with entities specialising in refrigeration, heating and air-conditioning systems.