Tabreed Boosts its Roadmap to Net-Zero, following Impressive
Results from World-first District Cooling Nanofluid Pilot Study
• Pioneering nanofluid technology, developed by HTMS, demonstrates potential to
increase District Cooling energy efficiency by up to 15%
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates – 9 November 2023: Tabreed, the world’s leading district
cooling company, in partnership with Ireland-based HT Materials Science (HTMS), has concluded
what is believed to be the world’s first pilot project of its kind, demonstrating results that provide
real hope for significant gains in energy efficiency.
Applied across Tabreed’s current portfolio of 89 district cooling plants, the heat transfer fluid
technology developed by HTMS – known as ‘Maxwell’ – could result in efficiency increases of
between nine- and 15%. Theoretically this could mean preventing approximately 200,000 metric
tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions annually, as a result of decreased electrical energy
consumption. For context, this would equate to removing 43,500 cars from the roads each year
as a result of saving 335 million kWh of electricity, which is enough to power approximately
20,000 homes.
Maxwell, named after James Clerk Maxwell, the pioneering scientist who first developed the
concept of nano fluids in the 19th century, is an engineered suspension of sub-micron aluminium
oxide particles in a base fluid of water or water/glycol (‘nanofluid’) – a drop-in additive for cooling
and heating systems, that works by enhancing heat transfer. It was trialled in the summer of 2023
at a Tabreed district cooling plant in Khalifah City, Abu Dhabi, which exclusively supplies chilled
water to a 55,742 square metre educational campus.
The performance of the Maxwell nanoparticle fluid technology at Tabreed’s facility, evaluated
under industry-approved Energy Efficiency Analysis (EEA), demonstrated that its addition
increased efficiency of the plant’s chillers by 13.6%, leading to an overall plant efficiency
improvement of 9.0%, compared with the same period in 2022.
Tabreed’s CEO, Khalid Al Marzooqi, said this development is testament to the company’s tireless
pursuit of energy efficiency at every level of its operations, adding that “as a sustainable cooling
champion focused on innovation, we are always looking for ways to accelerate the energy
transition and provide more efficient services that benefit our customers, our stakeholders and
the communities in which Tabreed operates.“This successful pilot project proves the power of international partnership and technological
collaboration, and we look forward to working with HTMS to further the application of their
technology to advance sustainable cooling solutions that benefit communities and industries
across the world.
“In real terms, what we are looking at here is a potentially seismic improvement in energy
efficiency that could radically change this industry. That Tabreed is spearheading such
developments should not be a surprise, and I am proud to be leading such a progressive and
impactful company that’s completely aligned with the UAE’s inspirational Net-Zero strategy.”
How Maxwell Works in a Chilled Water System
Maxwell’s nanotechnology increases the thermal capacity of water, the base fluid for commercial
and industrial chilled water systems. When added to a chilled water loop at a 2% concentration
of nano materials, Maxwell increases the system’s cooling capacity by up to 15%. This increased
cooling capacity allows chillers, fan units, pumps and other equipment to operate more
efficiently, reducing electrical energy consumption and carbon emissions. Maxwell is a non-toxic,
non-corrosive material and fully recoverable and recyclable.
Next Steps
Following the promising pilot study results, Tabreed and HTMS are in discussions to introduce
the Maxwell technology to other district cooling facilities in the company’s portfolio. With cooling
accounting for an estimated 70% of energy consumption in the GCC, and global demand expected
to triple by 2050, this technology could potentially play a critical role in reducing the
environmental impact of an industry already widely viewed as an essential contributor to
sustainability, with district cooling being up to 50% more energy efficient than conventional
cooling methods.
Commenting on the successful pilot project, Thomas Grizzetti, CEO of HTMS, said: “Thanks to
the ease of installation, and use in both new and existing HVAC systems, Maxwell can have a
material impact on energy usage and the carbon footprint of a broad range of industries and
sectors globally. Maxwell is a significant step forward for businesses wishing to drive down energy
use, increase system capacity and meet regulated energy efficiency targets increasingly
promulgated by governments globally. We believe Tabreed is an ideal strategic partner for HTMS
to help achieve widespread adoption of this unique technology.
-ENDS-About National Central Cooling Company PJSC (Tabreed)
Tabreed provides essential and sustainable district cooling services to iconic developments such
as the Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Ferrari World, Emirates
Towers, Yas Island, Al Maryah Island, The Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera, Dubai Metro, Bahrain
Financial Harbor and the Jabal Omar Development in the Holy City of Makkah. The company owns
and operates 89 plants in its portfolio, including 75 in the United Arab Emirates, five in the
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, seven in Oman, one in the Kingdom of Bahrain and one in India, in
addition to other international projects and operations.
Tabreed is a leading driver of progress for people, communities and environments around the
world towards a more sustainable future. Founded in 1998 and publicly listed on the Dubai
Financial Market, it is one of the UAE’s strongest growth companies. Through its extensive
regional and international operations, industry-leading reliability and efficiency, R&D
programmes and investment in AI technology, Tabreed further solidifies its position as the
industry's global leader. In addition to district cooling, Tabreed’s energy efficiency services
extend the company’s sustainability impact, helping businesses and organisations to improve
their overall energy consumption, in turn preventing CO emissions and assisting in the
2
achievement of carbon neutrality objectives.
About HTMS
Founded in 2018, HTMS is the developer of Maxwell – an innovative, sub-micron heat transfer
fluid. Maxwell is a drop-in additive for use in new or existing commercial and industrial heating
and cooling systems. Maxwell enhances heat transfer, resulting in a substantial reduction in
energy consumption and an increase in system capacity. The company is headquartered in
Ireland with offices in Dublin, Italy and New York City. For more information, visit
www.htmaterialsscience.com

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