Dubai, UAE – His Excellency Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, participated as a keynote speaker in the opening session of the 117th International District Energy Association (IDEA) Conference and Exhibition 2026 in Canada. The session, titled “Global Leaders – International Perspectives on the Future of Regional Energy,” brought together leading industry figures, decision-makers, and experts from around the world.

During the session, Bin Shafar highlighted Empower's successes over the past years, which have solidified its global position in the district cooling sector, making it the world's largest district cooling services provider. He noted that this achievement was made possible by a long-term strategic vision, continuous government support, and sustained investment in advanced infrastructure and innovative technologies. These factors have enabled the company to expand its operations to include key areas and major development projects in Dubai, while providing reliable, efficient, and sustainable cooling services.

Bin Shafar emphasized that district cooling systems have become a cornerstone of sustainable urban development, playing a pivotal role in enhancing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, and supporting sustainability and climate action goals. He added that with the rapid growth of cities and the rising demand for energy, district cooling systems are no longer merely an alternative option, but a strategic necessity for countries striving to build more sustainable, resource-efficient, and less carbon-dependent cities.

He also addressed the growing challenges posed by climate change and rising temperatures to cities worldwide, explaining that district cooling is one effective solution for enhancing cities' ability to adapt to these changes. He pointed out that these systems provide cooling on a large scale with high efficiency, supporting the continuity of urban development and improving quality of life, particularly in areas experiencing consistently high temperatures and increasing demand for cooling .

He stressed the importance of cooperation between governments, utility companies, developers and stakeholders in the sector to accelerate the adoption of sustainable cooling solutions, emphasizing the need to exchange knowledge, promote innovation and invest in future-ready infrastructure to maximize the environmental and economic benefits of district cooling systems and support global efforts to build more resilient and sustainable cities.

His Excellency Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), said: “Our participation in this international forum reflects the advanced position that the UAE and Dubai have established in the field of sustainability and the green economy, thanks to the forward-looking vision of our wise leadership, which has made sustainability, energy efficiency, and innovation fundamental pillars of the development journey. At Empower, we continue to translate this vision into practical achievements that enhance our global leadership in the district cooling sector, supporting sustainable urban growth and solidifying the role of district cooling as an effective solution for achieving global climate goals. We believe that promoting international dialogue, exchanging experiences, and showcasing successful practices, especially Dubai’s experience, contributes to accelerating the adoption of more efficient and sustainable energy solutions and supports efforts to build more resilient and future-ready cities.”

It is worth mentioning that Empower participated as a diamond sponsor in the conference organized by the International District Energy Association ( IDEA ) under the slogan “ Connecting Networks ”, which was held from June 23 to 26, 2026 in the Canadian capital, Ottawa.

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