Emicool commits Dh116 million to reach net zero operations by 2050

Emirates District Cooling (Emicool) announced on Tuesday, 18 August, a formal roadmap to reach net zero operations by 2050, backed by an initial Dh116 million investment in energy optimisation. The Dubai-based utility provider has set a 2023 emissions baseline of 183,423 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e) as the benchmark for its decarbonisation targets. The strategy includes an interim board-approved target to reduce emissions by 10% by 2035. According to the company, the Dh116 million funding will be deployed through 2027 to drive efficiency across its network, which currently spans 20 district cooling plants with a total connected capacity exceeding 306,000 refrigeration tonnes. Strategic investment in green technology The roadmap targets a 90% absolute reduction in emissions by 2050, covering Scope 1, Scope 2, and relevant Scope 3 categories. The company confirmed that any remaining hard-to-abate emissions will only be addressed through neutralisation after all direct reduction methods have been exhausted. This technical model relies on the maturation of low-carbon technologies and the ongoing transition of the UAE’s national energy grid. Dr. Adib El Moubadder, CEO of Emicool, stated that the roadmap transforms district cooling into a "cleaner, smarter and more efficient industry." The plan integrates renewable energy sources and digital transformation initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint of cooling systems serving residential and commercial developments…