Developing District Cooling: a global perspective

Demand for cooling is escalating with rising temperatures and growing urbanisation across the globe. In response, there is an increasing interest in sustainable cooling solutions that improve efficiency and utilise resources such as waste heat and renewable sources. District cooling is one of these solutions that result in lower greenhouse gas emissions, lifetime costs, and electricity demands.

International Finance Corporation (IFC) – a member of the World Bank Group – is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector. IFC has been financing district heating in emerging economies for 15 years. In 2021, IFC made its debut with an equity investment in a district cooling platform. To approach this sector strategically, IFC has recently completed a global study to explore the challenges and opportunities of financing district cooling in emerging markets.  During this webinar, IFC will present key findings of the study and engage in insightful discussions with industry experts about the path forward for high-potential countries in Asia, the Middle East and Latin America.

Agenda

Welcome and context

• Eloi Piel, Director Market Intelligence, Euroheat & Power

Report presentation Financing District Cooling in Emerging Markets

• Alexander Sharabaroff, Senior Energy Specialist, and Upasana Varma, Lead for Investments in District Cooling, IFC

District Cooling  - global update

• Asia-Pacific - Mikael Jakobsson, President of APUEA
• South America - Cristina Mariaca, District Energy Adviser UNIDO
• Middle-East North Africa - Dr. Alaa Olama, expert

Q&A session with the audience

Wrap-up