UAE-based Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) has joined hands with Honeywell, a global technology and manufacturing leader, to explore opportunities to improve energy efficiency in the region.

Empower said the two companies will discuss new alternative refrigerants adoption for reducing energy consumption and meeting environmental target in the region.

The duo has stressed on supporting the UAE’s efforts to become one of the leading smart cities in the world, said Ahmad Bin Shafar, the chief executive of Empower, after a meeting with Honeywell President George Koutsaftes.

The meeting between the two companies focused on the latest environment-friendly refrigerant solutions in cooling buildings that could help Empower further conserve energy in its operationsm, he noted.

The two leaders exchanged knowledge and shared latest innovations, like the low-global-warming-potential (LGWP) refrigerants focused on energy efficiency.

"Energy efficient refrigerants not only help us improve energy efficiency, but also meet environmental targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions," remarked Bin Shafar.

Empower expressed interest to visit the Honeywell Geismar, Louisiana production facility in the US as part of its plans to further explore opportunities in sustainable refrigeration.

The GCC countries are the key signatories of the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which is focused on phasing down the use of high-global-warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs).

Earlier this year, Empower announced the purchase of 60 advanced, eco-friendly EcoWise chillers, one of the largest trade deals in district cooling, with a total RT of 200,000 which helped the company drive toward its carbon emission reduction goals.

Bin Shafar pointed out that there was an increasing awareness among global businesses to address the harmful impacts of greenhouse gases (GHG) in various industries.

Empower, he stated, welcomes Honeywell’s efforts to explore collaboration opportunities regarding eco-friendly alternative refrigerants as well as some of the innovative concepts in managing district cooling that could further enhance UAE’s smart city initiatives.

"Empower supports all efforts that would push the country towards achieving its global commitment to phase out harmful gases from industries and build a sustainable city," he added.

Honeywell is a world leader in the development, manufacture, and supply of refrigerants that are sold worldwide under the Solstice and Genetron brand names for a range of applications, including refrigeration, building and automobile air conditioning.

Speaking at the discussion, Koutsaftes said: "Honeywell is committed to developing next-generation technologies that help meet the global goal of conserving energy, as well as eliminating GHG emissions that contribute to global warming."

"With annual, average energy usage in the UAE projected to increase to 5 percent through 2020, there is a strong demand for these types of solutions. Together, Empower and Honeywell are working to help customers to meet regional goals of sustainability and energy efficiency," he added.-TradeArabia News Service