Tabreed has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) under the ‘Energy Efficient Cooling’ program. This collaborative initiative, jointly executed by GIZ and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), aims to further their efforts in stimulating the market for energy-efficient district cooling systems and thermal storage solutions in India. By aligning with the country’s nationally determined contribution under the Paris Agreement, which advocates for a climate-friendly approach to development, this partnership underscores the commitment to sustainable practices in the cooling sector.
Through this alliance, Tabreed and GIZ will work together to complement each other’s global and local expertise across three broad focus areas: First, to facilitate bilateral exchange between governments to strengthen national and regional policy, regulatory, legal, and institutional frameworks in support of the development of district cooling markets. Second, to democratise cooling as a service across key urban, educational and industrial clusters through collaborative project development. Third, to support other ongoing initiatives to build human, institutional and corporate capacities at regional, national and local levels through unique and innovative training workshop formats, supplemented by exchange visits to plants for participants across the value chain, including policymakers, developers, urban planners and consultants.
Commenting on this development, Sudheer Perla, managing director, Tabreed Asia said, “Over the past five years, Tabreed has steadfastly pursued the development of district cooling markets in India. Tabreed, in a joint venture with the International Finance Corporation (IFC), established an investment platform committing to invest up to $400 million in India and Southeast Asia. This partnership with GIZ marks a significant milestone in our ongoing endeavors to establish planet inclusive cooling solutions as a mainstream choice in India.”
Nitin Jain, programme head, energy-efficient Cooling (EE Cool), added: “For several years, we have collaborated closely with BEE in India to champion energy-efficient solutions in industries, buildings and cooling. Together, we have undertaken numerous initiatives to further this goal, including the recent launch of District Cooling Guidelines. Against this backdrop, our partnership with Tabreed couldn’t have come at a better time. As India strides toward a sustainable future with a bold vision for sustainability, the role of district cooling becomes more pivotal than ever.”
Commenting on the partnership, Arijit Sengupta, Director, BEE, said: “Our collective aim is to forge a path towards sustainable cooling solutions that mitigate the environmental impact while simultaneously driving economic growth and societal well-being. GIZ and Tabreed, by combining expertise and resources, envision implementing innovative strategies through district cooling that optimise energy usage, reduce carbon emissions and ensure access to efficient cooling services across diverse sectors and communities.”