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Sustainability·18 August 2026

Emicool Unveils Net Zero Roadmap by 2050 with AED 116 Million Investment

Emirates District Cooling (Emicool) has announced a roadmap to achieve Net Zero operations by 2050, backed by an initial investment of approximately AED 116 million for energy optimisation initiatives through 2027.

Emirates District Cooling (Emicool), a joint venture between Dubai Investments and Actis, has outlined its comprehensive roadmap for achieving Net Zero operations by 2050. This strategic plan aims to significantly reduce the company's carbon footprint, with an interim target of a 10% emissions reduction by 2035 against a 2023 baseline.

The roadmap is based on a 2023 emissions baseline of 183,423 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e), covering Scope 1, Scope 2, and relevant Scope 3 emissions. Emicool has earmarked around AED 116 million for energy optimisation initiatives up to 2027, as part of a broader green financing strategy.

Decarbonisation Strategy

Emicool's long-term decarbonisation strategy anticipates substantial additional emissions reductions post-2035, as low-carbon technologies advance and the UAE's energy sector transitions towards cleaner sources. The company's ambition is to achieve approximately 90% emissions reduction by 2050, with any remaining hard-to-abate emissions to be neutralised only after all feasible direct reductions have been maximised.

Key elements of the phased approach include:

  • Operational efficiency improvements
  • Plant and network optimisation
  • Digital transformation initiatives
  • Integration of renewable energy sources
  • Adoption of future low-carbon technologies

Impact on Sustainable Urban Development

District cooling is recognised as a vital component for sustainable urban development, offering improved energy efficiency compared to conventional cooling systems. Emicool, which operates 20 district cooling plants with over 306,000RT of connected capacity across Dubai's residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments, aims to further enhance this contribution by integrating sustainability into every facet of its operations.

"Sustainability is no longer an option for infrastructure companies, it is a responsibility. Our Net Zero roadmap reflects a long-term commitment to transforming district cooling into a cleaner, smarter and more efficient industry."

This pathway combines initiatives within Emicool's direct operational control with broader sectoral enablers, such as the continued decarbonisation of the electricity grid, advancements in cooling and energy-efficiency technologies, and the increasing availability of low-carbon solutions. The roadmap will be reviewed every five years to adapt to technological developments, regulatory changes, and operational progress.

Frequently asked

Questions, answered

What is Emicool's primary target for emissions reduction?
Emicool aims to achieve Net Zero operations by 2050, with an ambitious target of approximately 90% emissions reduction by that year compared to its 2023 baseline.
What is the initial investment allocated for Emicool's energy optimisation?
Emicool has earmarked approximately AED 116 million for energy optimisation initiatives that will be implemented through 2027 as part of its decarbonisation strategy.
What is Emicool's baseline for carbon emissions?
The roadmap is based on a 2023 emissions baseline of 183,423 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e), encompassing Scope 1, Scope 2, and relevant Scope 3 emissions.
What interim target has Emicool set for its decarbonisation journey?
As part of its long-term strategy, Emicool has set an interim Board-approved target of a 10% reduction in emissions by 2035 against its 2023 baseline.
How frequently will Emicool's Net Zero roadmap be reviewed?
The roadmap is scheduled for review every five years to incorporate technological advancements, regulatory changes, and assess operational progress.
Reported by
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This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.

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