WETEX 2026: Precise Metering Technology for Demanding Conditions
While the expansion of district heating is a key issue in Europe, district cooling is the focus in the Middle East. Efficient cooling of buildings, driven by high temperatures, growing cities, and rising energy demand, is a critical factor in this context. This topic, among others, was also addressed by the WETEX 2026: How can cooling be provided in a sustainable and cost-effective manner? The trade fair for water, energy, technology, and the environment took place from October 20 to 22, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Center. Approximately 3,000 companies from 60 countries participated in the 28th edition of the event. Engelmann presented the right solutions: precise metering of cooling energy and water as part of the German Pavilion. The focus was on BTU cooling meters, which enable the precise metering of thermal energy. WETEX provided an opportunity to engage in dialogue with utility companies, plant operators, and other market participants. As district cooling expands, one question is becoming increasingly important: How can we ensure that the energy supplied is generated, distributed, and billed efficiently?
Cooling accounts for half of Dubai’s electricity consumption
Figures from the Regulatory and Supervisory Bureau (RSB): Nearly 50% of Dubai’s electricity demand is attributable to cooling. More than 20% of this is met by district cooling systems. Unlike decentralized air conditioning systems, these systems generate the required cooling centrally. The cooled water is then transported through an insulated pipeline network to the connected buildings. There, the cold water absorbs heat from the buildings and flows back to the cooling plant. This principle enables efficient use of energy and infrastructure, particularly in large building complexes. Figures from the operator Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) show just how widely this technology has already become established: By the end of 2025, Empower was serving more than 150,000 customers in more than 1,700 buildings. The connected cooling capacity was approximately 1.7 million refrigeration tons (RT), distributed across 90 cooling plants. This makes Empower the world’s largest provider of district cooling in terms of connected cooling capacity.
Financial Burden Due to Measurement Inaccuracy
As this infrastructure, the district cooling networks, expands, the importance of accurate consumption metering grows. Losses and discrepancies can occur between central cooling generation and consumption in buildings. Especially in large networks with many consumption points, even minor measurement discrepancies can have financial implications over extended periods. For operators, reliable measurement data is an essential basis for billing. It also helps identify operational irregularities.
Stricter Requirements for Consumption Measurement
The importance of reliable cold measurement is also reflected in legislation. With the Executive Council Resolution No. 6 , Dubai established a regulatory framework for district cooling services. Operators of district cooling systems and billing service providers require a license from the regulatory authority RSB. Of particular relevance is the supplementary set of regulations RD06 Metering, Billing. It stipulates that meters installed after March 29, 2023, must have specified accuracy characteristics and meet the applicable requirements of the European standard EN 1434. The regulations also require the metrological measurement of the amount of cooling supplied to buildings. In the case of submeters, billing service providers must reconcile the recorded consumption data with the readings from the main meter. The provision of relevant operational data is also regulated. If a submeter fails, consumption estimates are permitted only for a limited period of no more than two billing cycles. If the device is not repaired or replaced in a timely manner, no consumption charges may be billed until reliable measurement is restored. At the same time, Dubai is pursuing efficiency goals. The regulation Demand-Side Management Strategy 2050, updated in 2024, aims to reduce projected electricity and water consumption by at least 30% by 2030 and at least 50% by 2050 compared to a baseline scenario. Efficient cooling systems are a strategic priority in this effort.
