The Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (KAHRAMAA), represented by Eng. Jamal Yousef Al Derbesti, Manager of the District Cooling Services Department, along with an engineering assessment team, recently conducted a visit to the West Energy Center. This center serves as a crucial supplier of cooling services to various facilities such as Hamad General Hospital, the Surgical Specialty Center, the New Trauma and Emergency Center, and the administrative buildings and service facilities of Hamad Medical Corporation.
The West Energy Center currently operates with a cooling capacity of 12,500 tons, which is expected to expand to 20,000 tons in the future. The purpose of this visit was to assess the center's adherence to the district cooling code and key performance indicators, as well as to monitor its compliance with cooling specifications and standards approved by the department during the design and construction phases.
HMC has recently embraced the implementation of a district cooling system, thereby replacing the conventional cooling system with a more sustainable and efficient alternative. This upgraded district cooling system offers a multitude of benefits, including enhanced reliability, an extended lifespan for the district cooling plant, and a harmonious blend of cost savings and effectiveness.
The district cooling system excels in meeting healthcare facilities' cooling needs, primarily due to its remarkable ability to fulfill the distinctive cooling requirements of healthcare facilities. It emerges as the ideal solution for uninterrupted cooling services within these facilities, guaranteeing the provision of consistent and reliable cooling services 24/7.
To facilitate this transition in cooling services, the "West Energy Center" was carefully designed and constructed, incorporating cutting-edge technologies in the field of district cooling. Operating since 2022, this center serves as a pivotal hub for distributing chilled water to the aforementioned buildings. It utilizes four energy transfer stations, each equipped with a state-of-the-art monitoring and control system to ensure seamless and efficient operation. The West Energy Center comprises also two power stations, three levels of parking facilities, and even accommodates a blood donation center.
In a relevant context, KAHRAMAA strives by organizing and closely monitoring district cooling services to ensure the provision of top-notch services for electricity and drinking water. Furthermore, the corporation actively works towards achieving sustainable water management, preserving the environment, and staying abreast of the latest advancements in district cooling technology in line with the Qatar National Vision 2030 objectives.
It is worth highlighting that the district cooling system holds a prominent position among the most sustainable systems, effectively mitigating greenhouse gas emissions and minimizing the carbon footprint. This aligns with the State of Qatar's commitment to promoting sustainability across various sectors, including construction, industry, and services. Such endeavors are in perfect harmony with the goals outlined in the National Climate Change Action Plan 2030.
It is crucial to emphasize that the District Cooling Department at KAHRAMAA remains dedicated to actively promoting the adoption of the district cooling system across all sectors and by local stockholders. This commitment arises from the system's numerous advantages, which encompass both environmental and economic benefits, ultimately serving the interests of the state and society as a whole. The Department persistently strives to encourage widespread implementation of this system, recognizing its comprehensive positive impact.
