Cooling a Hot City: Solar Energy for Buildings and Districts

Cooling is one of the biggest energy needs in hot climates like Dubai. As temperatures rise, conventional air-conditioning can push electricity demand to new peaks, putting pressure on grids and increasing emissions if fossil plants cover the gap.

Solar energy can power part of this cooling demand directly – for example through rooftop PV coupled with efficient chillers – or indirectly by supporting district cooling networks that serve whole neighbourhoods. When combined with good insulation and smart controls, the result is more comfort with less energy.

Incorporating solar into cooling strategies is therefore a practical way to link climate adaptation with mitigation, especially in fast-growing urban areas.