Emerging technologies play key role in advancing sustainable environment

JEDDAH — Emerging technologies to develop energy efficient buildings have a critical role in shaping the future for a more sustainable environment, Dr. Anwar Hassan, VP of Field Sales and Operations KSA at Al Salem Johnson Controls (York) said on the sidelines of the recently held HVAC R Expo in Jeddah. He said in an interview that the potential for energy consumption reduction is high. Automating and optimizing performance of an existing chilled water system has a saving potential between 10 and 20%. Upgrading systems including variable speed drives could accumulate an additional 10-20%. Converting from air cooled to water-cooled mode of heat rejection could offer a substantial further reduction. “All these are established and well proven technologies and all that interested parties have to do is to contact a licensed energy services contractor and commission an energy audit to explore potential savings and get indications of costs. This covers air-conditioning as well as other energy using devices such as lighting,” he noted. Following are the excerpts of the interview with Dr. Anwar Hassan: l What role is ASJC playing in order to push the energy efficiency agenda in Saudi Arabia? Within the framework of Saudi Arabia’s 2030 Vision, Al Salem Johnson Controls generously offers its expertise in all forums in support of the government goal of energy efficiency. As a major industry player, we support energy efficiency solutions in the HVAC industry by offering our most efficient products and latest technologies, and also use our state-of-the-art Building Management Systems (BMS) to optimize system performance. In fact, the company’s philosophy is in tandem with the Vision 2030’s aiming to increase the competitiveness of the Kingdom’s energy sector. We have been serving businesses in the Kingdom for over 25 years through energy efficient HVAC solutions that make it easier for customers to achieve energy and operational savings. l What is different about ASJC HVAC solutions? How ready is ASJC to introduce and develop District Cooling Technology in Saudi Arabia? We are market leaders in several platforms in our wide product portfolio, and in addition we are pioneers in several categories of energy efficiency technologies, such as the application of variable speed devices in pursuit of energy efficient off-design operation. We have the largest aftermarket presence in the kingdom, serving the sector of complex buildings with a team of over 1,300 front-line service providers A recent Royal Decree made the use of District Cooling in certain government projects mandatory, and the respective regulations were being developed accordingly. District Cooling is considered one of the greatest advanced systems that can save energy up to 50%. This technology is made for larger projects; be it government or private investor project. We are a key player in this segment. l Does ASJC have any special partnership with governmental bodies (such as Saudi Energy Efficiency Center)? If not, will that be considered? Since the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center was created, the Saudi government vision found sound leadership in actively consulting with industry and professional associations, locally and internationally. We have been an active participant in all their workshops and meetings. We have several other projects with government and semi government bodies who are working on energy reduction ideas and Energy Contracting Services. How would emerging technologies shape the future for a more sustainable environment with energy efficient buildings? The potential for energy consumption reduction is high. Automating and optimizing performance of an existing chilled water system has a saving potential between 10 and 20%. Upgrading systems including variable speed drives could accumulate an additional 10-20%. Converting from air cooled to water cooled mode of heat rejection could offer a substantial further reduction. All these are established and well proven technologies and all that interested parties have to do is to contact a licensed Energy Services Contractor and commission an energy audit to explore potential savings and get indications of costs. This covers air-conditioning as well as other energy using devices such as lighting. l In your opinion, what is the role of private sector in local manufacturing? In line with the 2020 National Transformational Plan and the 2030 Vision, as a private sector we are playing a crucial role in advocating a better business environment and local economic development through local manufacturing. We are continuously transferring technology to our manufacturing facility in Saudi and have many programs aimed at developing the skills of the Saudis to match them with the job opportunities our manufacturing, service and sales operations create. l What are the challenges for implementing the local manufacturing process? What would be a great boost to our efforts are measures to simplify bureaucracy and processing shipments through customs. Commenting on its participation at HVAC R Expo, he said the show “is definitely a vital exhibition for companies to showcase their technologies, and we always aimed to raise awareness about our services and contribution to the industry’s development. It is also an important platform to highlight the latest innovations. For us, it is important that we communicate our exceptional capabilities in providing customers with HVAC solutions that successfully reduce energy consumption. This is an important matter since 50% of Saudi Arabia’s electric energy production is consumed by air conditioning.” — SG