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The global district cooling market size was valued at USD 27.12 billion in 2022. The market is projected to grow from USD 28.19 billion in 2023 to USD 44.46 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.72% during the forecast period.
District cooling (DC) is a centralized system used for the distribution of cooling energy. It is majorly utilized for space cooling in apartments, offices, houses, and other areas. Chilled water is distributed via insulated pipes to cool the indoor environment of buildings in an area. Rising awareness of environmental protection and changing manufacturers' preferences from conventional to energy-efficient refrigeration technology are some factors driving the district cooling market growth.
COVID-19 Pandemic Caused Notable Market Growth Despite Challenges in Market
There was an increase in the DC installations, although it witnessed challenges, such as supply chain problems. These issues led to shortage of supporting equipment. This market witnessed slightly favorable growth in the GCC countries as cooling is essential to the region’s extremely hot climate.
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Increasing Usage of Digitalization in Cooling Systems
It is a popular system technology used for cooling purposes. Cooling technologies, such as such as electric and absorption chillers have been trending in recent years. These chillers are highly beneficial due to their features, such as electricity efficiency and easy installation.
Digitalization plays an important role in making these technologies more effective. The wide implementation of digitalization in energy systems is believed to make systems smarter, more reliable, and more efficient. The use of innovative digital technologies is expected to generate new business opportunities.
Annex TS4: Digitalization of District Heating and Cooling (DHC) systems through the International Energy Agency Technology collaboration program aims to endorse the opportunities of combining digital processes into DHC schemes and clarify the role of digitalization for different activities within the operation of the DHC system. This trend will create strong demand for the centralized cooling system in the upcoming years.
Inclination toward Sustainability and Energy-efficiency to Drive Market Growth
The rising requirement for sustainability and energy efficiency in cities and buildings surges the demand as it provides a more energy-efficient and sustainable solution for cooling buildings than conventional air conditioning systems.
For instance, in January 2022, Al Mouj Muscat gave a district cooling concession to Tabreed Oman. This contract presented a chance to improve Al Mouj Muscat’s energy-efficient and high-quality cooling to visitors, residents, and others, guaranteeing optimal temperatures and comfort at all times.
With urbanization and the world population growth, there is a high demand for infrastructure and buildings that have sustainable and energy-efficient designs. Cooling systems utilize centralized cooling plants to cool numerous buildings, which can result in noteworthy energy savings compared to individual air conditioning units. In May 2021, ENGIE South East Asia, one of the leaders in sustainable energy innovation, appointed JTC Corporation to build, own, and operate an underground DC system for the Punggol Digital District in Singapore. It is the first smart business district incorporating community facilities, a national university, and a business park. This project is expected to be finalized in 2024, and ENGIE will operate it for 30 years. This facility will offer the community and business park with reliable, sustainable, and cost-effective air conditioning.
Intense Heatwaves to Augment Demand for District Cooling Systems
In recent years, the world has been experiencing intense heat waves due to drastic environmental changes, so several regions suffer the hot spell. The Middle East & Africa, Asia Pacific, and North America are tackling climate challenges from the heat wave.
As per the World Metrological Organization in 2022, extreme heat that gripped large parts of India and Pakistan was 30 times more likely to be caused by climate change, according to a new rapid attribution study by climate scientists. The heat was prolonged and widespread, accompanied by below-average rainfall, affecting hundreds of millions of people in one of the most densely populated regions of the world.
District cooling is the technology that can offer cooling in multiple buildings at a low cost. Many countries are heavily investing in cooling systems, which will further drive the market.
Alternative Cooling Technologies to Hinder Market Growth
Several manufacturers and service providers use alternative cooling technologies to deliver a long-lasting cooling experience to multistoried buildings. Technologies, such as Variable Refrigerant Flow (VRF) are one of the fastest-growing technologies in cooling systems. These systems circulate the lowest refrigerant required for each zone to fulfill the building load. This prevents energy waste associated with duct loss. VRF's flexibility and reliability are major factors in hindering the demand for cooling systems. The growing infrastructure and construction activities in the Middle East region will also boost VRF technologies due to the multiple market competitors.
With moderate temperatures, countries, such as the U.S., Canada, China, India, and Mexico are the largest end-users of conventional Air Conditioners (ACs). Residential, commercial buildings, and traditional houses are the dominating end-users for ordinary ACs.
Reliable Coefficient of Electric Chillers to Propel Product Demand
Based on technology, the market is segmented into electrical chillers, absorption chillers, and others. The use of various DC technologies can help organizations complete large-scale projects efficiently and on time. Electric chillers and absorption chillers are some of the well-known technologies. However, electric coolers are preferred due to their better coefficient performance. These chillers take up 50% less floor space than absorption chillers, thereby increasing their acceptance.
The technology of absorption chillers helps reduce the use of electrically operated cooling in the energy system and decreases carbon dioxide emissions at the same time.
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Commercial Segment Held Dominant Market Share Owing to High Installation of DC Systems in Such Spaces
Based on end-user, the market is segmented into commercial, residential, and industrial. Commercial is the dominating segment in the market. This system is mainly used in commercial buildings including offices, shops, government buildings, institutions, airports, and organizations. For instance, in 2022, Empower declared the start of operations of the first part of its Zabeel district cooling plant with a production capacity of 27,750 refrigeration tons. The interconnection between the Dubai International Financial Center Plant and the new Zabeel Plant will bring a total production capacity to 112,000 refrigeration tons.
Middle East & Africa District Cooling Market Size, 2022 (USD Billion)
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The global market has been analyzed across five key regions including North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. The Middle East & Africa is expected to dominate the district cooling market share owing to the growing commercial & residential sectors and hot climate conditions in the region. For instance, in March 2023, the world's largest district cooling services provider, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC, inked a contract with Sobha Realty to provide eco-friendly district cooling services to the developer's projects.
In North America, a wide range of policies and programs have been introduced to address energy efficiency in existing and new buildings. According to TERI guidelines for energy-efficiency, retrofits of existing buildings result in savings of 20-40% in a building’s energy consumption, increased energy security, reduced emissions of harmful gases, and reduced need for new energy generation and distribution. According to the International District Energy Association (IDEA), nearly 400 systems serve cities and universities across North America.
Additionally, the expanding commercial & residential sector in developing economies, such as China, India, and Southeast Asia, is fueling the requirement for cooling systems.
Key Participants Focus on Increasing Production Capacity Owing to Increasing Demand Globally
ENGIE held the largest market share. ENGIE operates around 320 heating & cooling systems globally and continues to reinforce its presence across the world. Its equity stake in Tabreed, a main player in the Gulf state urban climate control systems market, makes ENGIE the world’s biggest independent player in urban cooling networks. For instance:
An Infographic Representation of District Cooling Market
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The report provides a detailed analysis of the market and focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, product/service types, and leading applications of the product. Besides, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors above, the report encompasses several factors that contributed to the growth of the market in recent years.
ATTRIBUTUE | DETAILS |
Study Period | 2019-2030 |
Base Year | 2022 |
Estimated Year | 2023 |
Forecast Period | 2023-2030 |
Historical Period | 2019-2021 |
Growth Rate | CAGR of 6.72% from 2023 to 2030 |
Unit | Value (USD Billion), Volume (Thousand RT) |
Segmentation | By Technology, By End-user, and By Region |
Segmentation | By Technology
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By End-user
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By Region
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The Fortune Business Insights study shows that the global market was valued at USD 27.12 billion in 2022.
The global market is projected to record a CAGR of 6.72% during the forecast period.
The market size of Middle East and Africa stood at USD 10.55 billion in 2022.
Based on end-user, the commercial segment holds a dominating share in the global market.
The global market size is expected to reach USD 44.46 billion by 2030.
Inclination toward sustainability and energy efficiency and intense heatwave across the world will augment the demand, thereby fueling the market growth.
Danfoss, ENGIE, and National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed) are some of the top players actively operating in the market.
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