UAE-based SKM Air Conditioning is set to launch the Middle East’s first line of chillers equipped with Solstice ze (R-1234ze) refrigerant from global technology leader Honeywell at the upcoming Big 5 construction expo in Dubai.

An award-winning HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) manufacturer in the Gulf region, SKM said these new chillers - large central air-conditioning units designed for industrial and commercial buildings - will be available for industrial installation throughout the Middle East.

The company pointed out that it will be using this ultra-low-global-warming refrigerant to help meet higher energy efficiency standards in the region.

Adoption of Solstice ze — which is based on low-global-warming-potential (LGWP) hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO) technology — could reduce energy consumption, said the company in a statement.

According to a 2015 report from PwC, energy usage in the UAE has grown at an annual average of four per cent over the past six years, with projections that it will increase to five per cent through 2020.

In addition, cuts to energy subsidies have made energy efficiency one of the top priorities for the region.

Nabil Abouseido, the marketing and business development director for SKM, said: "Adoption of Solstice ze for our new chiller line not only helps us improve energy efficiency, but also meet environmental targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

"We are excited to be the first HVAC manufacturer to offer chillers equipped with Solstice ze in the Middle East. Adoption of this technology helps support regional goals to become greener and more energy efficient," he added.

Amir Naqvi, the regional marketing leader, Honeywell Fluorine Products, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, said: "Honeywell remains committed to supplying next-generation, environmentally-preferable HFO alternatives to support the GCC industries on accelerating the transition from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other high-GWP materials."

"SKM is one of the earliest adopters of our ultra-low GWP refrigerant in the region, and we are looking forward to supporting more manufacturers who are working to achieve energy efficiency goals and sustainability efforts," he added.-TradeArabia News Service