Honeywell announced that S.K.M Air Conditioning LLC (SKM), a United Arab Emirates-based manufacturer, is launching the Middle East’s first line of chillers equipped with Honeywell’s Solstice ze (R-1234ze) refrigerant. The product will be showcased at the Big 5 trade show in the UAE, happening November 26 to 29 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
According to a 2015 report from PwC, energy usage in the UAE has grown at an annual average of 4 percent over the past six years, with projections that it will increase to 5 percent through 2020. In addition, cuts to energy subsidies have made energy efficiency one of the top priorities for the region. Adoption of Solstice ze—which is based on low-global-warming-potential (LGWP) hydrofluoro-olefin (HFO) technology—could reduce energy consumption.
“Adoption of Solstice ze for our new chiller line not only helps us improve energy efficiency, but also meet environmental targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said Mr. Nabil Abouseido, Marketing and Business Development Director, SKM. “We are excited to be the first HVAC manufacturer to offer chillers equipped with Solstice ze in the Middle East. Adoption of this technology helps support regional goals to become greener and more energy efficient.”
SKM is an award-winning HVAC manufacturer that provides equipment throughout the Gulf region. The new chillers—large central air conditioning units designed for industrial and commercial buildings—will be available for industrial installation throughout the Middle East.
“Honeywell remains committed to supplying next-generation, environmentally-preferable HFO alternatives to support the regional Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) industries on accelerating the transition from hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) and other high-GWP materials,” said Amir Naqvi, regional marketing leader, Honeywell Fluorine Products, Middle East, Turkey, and Africa. “SKM is one of the earliest adopters of our ultra-low GWP refrigerant in the region, and we are looking forward to supporting more manufacturers who are working to achieve energy efficiency goals and sustainability efforts.”
The GCC countries are the key signatories of the Kigali amendment to the Montreal Protocol, which is focused on phasing down the use of high-global-warming hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs). Solstice ze is non-ozone-depleting with a GWP of less than 1. It complies with the latest regulations designed to reduce the global warming impacts of fluorinated refrigerants and other materials.
