Tabreed and Johnson Controls sign long-term agreement to advance next-generation cooling technology

Technology

Tabreed and Johnson Controls sign long-term agreement to advance next-generation cooling technology

Tabreed, the world’s leading district cooling company, has entered into a framework agreement with Johnson Controls, a global leader in smart, healthy and sustainable buildings, to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced cooling technologies.

The partnership marks a significant milestone in Tabreed’s expansion strategy, securing a reliable supply of energy-efficient chillers to support multiple long-term projects across the region. The agreement emphasizes shared goals of improving energy efficiency, reducing climate impact, and aligning with climate neutrality commitments.

Focus on energy-efficient cooling

Under the collaboration, Johnson Controls will provide next-generation centrifugal chillers designed to enhance system performance while minimizing energy consumption. The chillers will be supported by real-time performance analytics through Johnson Controls’ platforms, enabling continuous optimization, reduced downtime, and improved reliability.

The partnership will also cover a full suite of lifecycle services, including design and engineering support, commissioning, retro-commissioning, performance guarantees, system upgrades, retrofits, and remote monitoring via network operations centres. These services are aimed at extending asset life and reducing total cost of ownership for Tabreed’s district cooling operations.

Leaders highlight shared vision

Speaking at the signing ceremony, held at Tabreed’s Abu Dhabi headquarters, Tabreed’s Chief Executive Officer, Khalid Al Marzooqi, said:

“Our company has entered a new, exciting chapter of unprecedented growth, which is aligned with our long-term strategy. This agreement secures the supply of essential equipment for large-scale infrastructure. By pairing Tabreed’s operational excellence with Johnson Controls’ advanced chiller technologies, we will bring tangible benefits to customers and communities alike through unrivalled energy efficiency and reliability.”

Johnson Controls’ Vice President and President EMEA, Richard Lek, added:

“This collaboration with Tabreed allows us to demonstrate how proven technologies and data-driven services can raise the performance bar for district cooling – at scale. Together we’ll help meet the demand for cooling in rapidly growing urbanisations while reducing energy consumption and emissions and improving quality of life.”

Supporting sustainability goals

The agreement underlines both companies’ commitment to advancing sustainable solutions. Johnson Controls’ chillers will adopt low-impact refrigerants, modular system designs, and circular-economy principles, connecting plant-level efficiency improvements to broader decarbonisation strategies.

District cooling is increasingly recognized as a sustainable alternative to conventional air conditioning. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), energy use in buildings accounts for about 30% of global final energy consumption. District cooling significantly reduces energy usage, lowers peak power demand, and lessens the environmental impact of urban cooling needs.

By aligning technology, lifecycle services, and sustainability frameworks, Tabreed and Johnson Controls aim to set new industry benchmarks for reliable, efficient, and environmentally responsible cooling solutions in the region.