Dubai: Emirates District Cooling (Emicool) has unveiled a structured roadmap towards net zero operations by 2050. Developed through a data-driven and technically modelled approach, the roadmap establishes a clear decarbonisation pathway within Emicool's defined operational boundary.
According to Emirates News Agency, the roadmap is based on a 2023 emissions baseline of 183,423 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e), covering Scope 1, Scope 2, and relevant Scope 3 emissions. It is supported by approximately AED 116 million earmarked for energy optimisation initiatives through 2027, alongside Emicool's broader green financing strategy.
The roadmap sets an interim Board-approved target of a 10% reduction by 2035 against the 2023 baseline as part of a long-term decarbonisation strategy. Significant additional emissions reductions are expected beyond 2035 as low-carbon technologies mature and the UAE's energy mix continues its transition towards cleaner sources. Emicool's ambition is to achieve approximately 90% emissions reduction by 2050, with remaining hard-to-abate emissions neutralised only after all feasible direct reductions have been maximised.
Dr. Adib El Moubadder, CEO of Emicool, stated that sustainability is a responsibility for infrastructure companies and emphasized the company's commitment to transforming district cooling into a cleaner, smarter, and more efficient industry. Emicool aims to contribute to the UAE's vision of building one of the world's most sustainable economies.
The roadmap outlines a phased approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through operational efficiency improvements, plant and network optimisation, digital transformation initiatives, renewable energy integration, and the adoption of future low-carbon technologies.
As a key enabler of sustainable urban development, district cooling helps improve energy efficiency compared to conventional cooling systems, supporting lower energy consumption across residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments. Emicool's roadmap further strengthens this contribution by embedding sustainability into every stage of its operations.
Supporting residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments across Dubai, Emicool operates 20 district cooling plants with more than 306,000 refrigeration tonnes of connected capacity. The roadmap will be reviewed every five years to reflect technological developments, regulatory changes, and operational progress.