The Middle East region recorded the addition of a further 75.5 million sq ft to district cooling systems in 2014, according to the latest International District Energy Association (Idea)’s report on growth in district cooling energy.

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, said these figures reflect the remarkable growth and huge potential for the district cooling sector in the years to come.

“The sector is going from strength to strength, thanks to its competitive characteristics that make it the best alternative to conventional environment-depleting district cooling,” said Ahmad Bin Shafar, chief executive officer of Empower.

According to statistics, district cooling uses 40 to 50 per cent less energy than traditional air-conditioning systems, which can account for as much as 70 per cent of a building’s electricity bill.

Outside North America, the running total for served building space added since 2004 amounted to 1.2 billion sq ft according to Idea’s recent report.

According to Bin Shafar, the district cooling industry has emerged as the ideal option for air-conditioning in the Middle East due to a variety of factors, such as its low noise and minimal maintenance and the fact that it is less prone to breakdowns.

“The evidence of an upward Gulf trend toward district cooling is a positive sign and will ensure better service to people with less harm to natural resources.”