In line with its National Vision 2030 in which it aims to achieve an advanced, sustainable and diversified economy, Qatar has continued its rapid growth and transformation. Having one of the highest GDPs in the world and playing host to many major events, one being the frequently discussed 2022 world cup, the country is also seeing growth in its population, which currently sits at a little over two (2) million as well as its commercial and industrial markets. This growth, although contributing to the development of the country, has also led to an increase in the demand for water, power and cooling.

Qatar’s climate can be described as a dry, hot desert climate with very high temperatures during the summer months, which translates into a rising demand for air conditioning. As cooling attributes to a high percentage of the overall required power supply, and considering its negative impact on the environment, the need for efficient and environmentally friendly cooling systems, is at an all time high. Using an average of 40 percent less electricity than traditional cooling systems, and known for being considerably more efficient, as well as requiring lower capital costs, district cooling is being highly considered by developers as the primary source of cooling for their projects.

Currently, there are approximately twelve district cooling systems implemented around the capital city of Doha, with their total capacity being close to 320,000 Tons of Refrigeration (TR). The application of the system in major developments proves that district cooling is gaining popularity amongst developers.

An initiative of Qatar Foundation, Education City upon its completion will be served with District Cooling supplied from nine plants of which three, totaling a capacity of 50,000 TR, are already operational. The development covers an area of approximately 14 square kilometers and houses educational facilities, from school age to research level and campuses of some of the world’s leading universities in addition to several staff housing complexes, the Qatar Science and Technology Park, Qatar National Convention Center and the currently under construction Sidra Medical and Research Center.

Already serving more than 50 percent of the towers in the West Bay district of Doha, which features luxury apartment towers, high-end office spaces and prominent hotels, Qatar Cool is still seeing a rise in the demand for its district cooling service. To cater to this increasing demand, Qatar Cool plans to open its third plant in West Bay which will enable the company to supply towers with nearly 40,000 TR once it is operational. Qatar Cool also serves The Pearl Qatar with District Cooling from its Integrated District Cooling Plant, the biggest district cooling plant in the world. The combined capacity of Qatar Cool’s three currently operational plants totals to over 200,000 TR which has helped the company win the International District Energy Association’s award for ‘The Best District Cooling System in the World’ in 2012 in addition to many other awards.

Other developments currently utilizing district cooling as the primary source of air conditioning include Barwa City, Khalifa Olympic City, Emiri Diwan Compound, State Mosque, College of North Atlantic City and Al Gassar Resort. The implementation of district cooling in such developments proves that the system can be a success when applied in projects of various uses.

We should expect to continue to see a surge in the country’s district cooling market as the application of the system is being considered and in many cases, already selected as the method of air conditioning for several upcoming major projects, in the country. Developments such as Msheireb, a 31 hectare mixed-use development, will be supplied with district cooling from two central plants, with a total capacity of approximately 29,000 TR once completed. Others projects such as Lusail, the New Doha International Airport and several sports stadiums are all considering, or in the process of implementing district cooling systems to serve their respective developments.  

Due to its energy efficiency, reduction in carbon emissions, ease of operation and maintenance, reduction in electric distribution demands, environmental benefits and many more, 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.