Tabreed's Abu Dhabi Facility Achieves Verified Carbon Standard In Cooling Sector

Tabreed, a prominent district cooling firm, has achieved a significant milestone in its decarbonisation efforts. The company earned the ‘Verified Carbon Standard’ for one of its Abu Dhabi plants, certifying carbon credits to offset emissions. This certification was granted by Verra, an independent non-profit agency known for setting global standards for climate action and sustainable development.

Verra conducted a year-long verification programme at the plant, which provides sustainable cooling services to a major commercial and tourist attraction. The study highlighted the plant's substantial environmental benefits through enhanced energy efficiency. It estimated that the 28,000 Refrigeration Ton (RT) facility prevents around 19,320 tonnes of carbon emissions annually due to reduced electricity consumption compared to other stand-alone cooling solutions.

The Verra report noted that Tabreed’s "highly efficient district cooling will displace the cooling from conventional/less efficient cooling system[s] and reduce the electricity consumption which would result in [a] reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions." This recognition allows Tabreed to trade carbon credits in the voluntary market as an emissions preventer, marking a first for any district cooling company.

This achievement opens new revenue opportunities for Tabreed through carbon credit trading. Companies worldwide are seeking ways to offset their own emissions, making this a valuable asset. Although the project focused on one plant, it sets a precedent for applying similar methodologies across other facilities in Tabreed's portfolio.

Khalid Al Marzooqi, Tabreed’s Chief Executive Officer, emphasised the company's pioneering role in the industry. "Where we lead, others try to follow, and this will be no different," he stated. "In fact, Tabreed is the first district energy company anywhere in the world to achieve this recognition and that’s really important for multiple reasons, not least because it backs up what we’ve always said: that district cooling is up to 50 percent more energy efficient than conventional methods."

Expanding Renewable Energy Initiatives

This development follows several renewable energy initiatives by Tabreed in 2023. Notably, in collaboration with ADNOC, they designed and commissioned the region’s first district cooling plant powered by renewable geothermal energy. These efforts underscore Tabreed's commitment to sustainability and innovation within the sector.

Al Marzooqi also highlighted the growing demand for cooling due to climate change and population growth. He remarked, "The world is rapidly waking up to the unavoidable fact that climate change is real. And as populations continue to grow, so is the demand for cooling, which is no longer a luxury but a vital aspect of daily life for countless communities, businesses and industries."

Future Prospects

Tabreed is well-positioned to meet this increasing demand as it operates in six countries and is prepared to expand into new territories. The company aims to help countries achieve their net-zero targets while supporting societal and economic progress with its expertise in district cooling technology.

This latest advancement not only reinforces Tabreed's leadership in energy-efficient cooling solutions but also highlights its potential contribution to global sustainability goals through innovative practices and strategic expansions.

With inputs from WAM