The Board of Directors of the Saudi Energy Efficiency Center has approved the recommendation of the Center’s Executive Committee to adopt an update to the National District Cooling Standard. This step aims to enhance energy consumption efficiency in government projects and to support the adoption of district cooling solutions within defined technical and regulatory frameworks.
The update includes the introduction of revised requirements and standards for the application of district cooling technology in government projects starting from the design phase, with emphasis on projects being new. This enables effective integration of the technology during the early stages of planning and implementation.
From a technical perspective, the updated standards mandate the application of district cooling technology in projects where cooling demand exceeds the approved technical thresholds. In addition, such projects must be located in areas of high urban density, in accordance with the definitions set forth in the standard, thereby enhancing the operational and economic feasibility of centralized cooling systems in such environments.
The update also underscores the importance of ensuring the availability of adequate quantities of treated water required for the operation of cooling systems, while permitting the use of alternative water sources when necessary, provided that regulatory requirements are met and the necessary licenses are obtained from the competent authorities responsible for water resource regulation.
Furthermore, the update to the National District Cooling Standard stipulates the continuation of coordination between the Center and relevant regulatory authorities to periodically review and develop requirements and standards, ensuring improved effectiveness of implementation and alignment with regulatory and technical developments.
This decision shall take effect as of the date of its publication and shall be communicated to the concerned entities for implementation accordingly. Its application shall be limited to new projects that meet the specified conditions and standards.