Daily Tribune‘A district cooling system in this sustainable metropolis will enable us to provide the most environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient solution to future residents and locators’
Share
New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.(PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF BCDA)
BCDA chairman Delfin N. Lorenzana (second from the left), BCDA president and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang (center) and BCDA director Rolen Paulino (left) with Marubeni executives Tai Miura, deputy general manager of Overseas Power Department, and Koichi Matsumoto, manager of Overseas Power Department (fourth and fifth from left).
The Bases Conversion and Development Authority has partnered with global leaders United District Energy International L.L.C. and Marubeni Corporation to explore low-carbon district cooling technologies that will make energy consumption in New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac greener and more efficient.
During its business mission in Tokyo in September, BCDA signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar-based UDEI and Japan-based Marubeni for the conduct of a technical and commercial feasibility study that will explore the viability of a district cooling technology for New Clark City. This sustainability initiative aims to help address high energy consumption during the dry season, which is associated with searing temperatures especially in Central Luzon.
"To help reduce energy consumption and make use of greener energy sources, BCDA has tapped the expertise of UDEI, a regional leader in low-carbon district cooling technologies, and Marubeni, our reliable Japanese partner in power distribution in New Clark City, to explore low-carbon cooling solutions in our development. A district cooling system in this sustainable metropolis will enable us to provide the most environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient solution to future residents and locators," said BCDA President and CEO Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang.
District cooling systems integrate highly-efficient centralized chillers, thermal energy storage tanks and advanced control systems as a greener and smarter alternative to decentralized air conditioners.
Under the one-year MoU, BCDA, Marubeni and UDEI agreed to discuss, share knowledge and explore potential opportunities for collaboration leading to the preparation of conceptual and technical reports.
"We envision a future where our technology, in collaboration with BCDA and Marubeni, continues to pave the way for positive change, transforming challenges into opportunities and inspiring progress for generations to come. Furthermore, we proudly stand as staunch supporters of the global effort to combat climate change, recognizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions that safeguard our planet for future generations," said UDEI director Yasser Al Jaidah.
By utilizing these systems in New Clark City, electricity consumption by future residents and locators will be cut by as much as 50 percent, carbon dioxide emissions and pollution will be reduced, air quality and temperature control will be improved and utilization of available space will be more efficient.
Other than exploring district cooling solutions, BCDA and its public and private partners have brought significant green measures to New Clark City, such as maximizing renewable energy sources, promoting active mobility, conserving biodiversity and setting aside 60 percent of the land area for parks, green spaces and water bodies. These initiatives are all in line with the BCDA's commitment to a sustainable, smart and green metropolis.
