District Cooling initiative helps preserve the environment and supports water resource sustainability
Doha, Qatar: Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa) has said the District Cooling (DC) system saved 18.5 million cubic meters of water enough to supply 18,000 villas in 2024.
“In 2024, 41 District Cooling plants utilised recycled water, accounting for 82% of the total makeup water used in district cooling,” Kahramaa shared the figures on the X platform. The corporation said this initiative helps preserve the environment and supports water resource sustainability, aligning with Qatar National Vision 2030.
The most efficient cooling system, which aims to bolster efforts to cut carbon emissions to address climate change in the country, is increasing at a fast pace in Qatar.
For example, there are three DC plants each at Qatar Foundation and Tower Area. DC plants are also operating in Lusail City, The Pearl Qatar, Hamad International Airport (HIA), and FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 stadiums, among several other places.
Kahramaa emphasises the importance of switching to the use of treated wastewater or any available and appropriate alternative water resources instead of potable water in all district cooling plants.
The use of district cooling systems in residential and commercial projects contributes significantly to saving electricity consumption by 30-40% and desalinated water by up to 98% by switching to treated wastewater.
It also reduces carbon dioxide emissions by reducing the consumption of natural gas required for electricity generation, improving the environment, and reducing noise pollution.
By regulating and monitoring district cooling services, Kahramaa aims to provide electricity and potable water, sustain water resources, preserve the environment, and keep pace with the use of all new technologies in district cooling services.
Kahramaa’s District Cooling Services Department works with all district cooling service providers in Qatar to improve district cooling systems, ensuring efficient use of resources and achieving diverse benefits for the state and society.
Minister of State for Energy Affairs H E Eng. Saad bin Sherida Al Kaabi, recently issued Decision No. 1 of 2025 to issue the executive regulations of Law No. 19 of 2024 regulating District Cooling Services.
This decision aims to establish a regulatory framework for district cooling services in the country, which includes the production, distribution, provision, or sale of cooling energy.
This decision comes within the framework of the State’s efforts to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in line with Qatar National Vision 2030 to achieve sustainable development.
The competent authority shall supervise all activities related to the production, storage, and distribution of chilled water for district cooling purposes, according to the decision.
The competent authority is responsible for regulating all activities related to district cooling. It is the entity concerned with granting licenses for district cooling services and monitoring the licensee’s compliance in providing the optimal level of services.
Anyone who provides or intends to provide district cooling services, whether on a permanent or temporary basis, must obtain a license from the competent authority.
