SPEAKER INTERVIEW: FAISAL RASHID

Faisal Rashid will be speaking at HVAC R Expo this November. He shared with us some insight on district cooling. Faisal is the Director of Demand Side Management ​ Supreme Council of Energy and his topic at the HVAC R Talks is "Importance of district cooling in demand side management landscape of Dubai".

Why is HVAC R coming into the spotlight in the GCC?

Due to the harsh nature or hot climate in the GCC, it is logical to assume that HVAC & R accounts for heavy consumption of energy and it can yield to the greatest saving potential of any sector of the economy.

Describe some challenges in the GCC HVAC R market and the opportunities they present.

HVAC & R in general has no market barriers as technologies, services and products are already available in the GCC market at large but HVAC & R conversely accounts for heavy usage of energy  whether in buildings or industries, it basically represents 70% of the total energy consumption of a building on average, it usually puts pressure on  energy generation systems, energy needs, translating this into environmental impact and finances in terms of fuel supply and required capacities for electricity generation units.

According to you which are the top HVAC projects to look out for in the GCC?

Large shopping malls, large indoor facility project, large hotels, large industries etc.

Name one thing about HVAC R that people always get wrong.

The consumption factor and high share HVAC & R in overall energy consumption and Green House Gas emission is not known to many consumers.

About Faisal Rashid -

U.A.E national, a degree holder of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Dayton, Ohio university, U.S.A 1991. Also, a certified PMP(Project Management Professional). Earn LSE professional certificate in the area of energy public policy making. Has a wide and solid experience in energy management including supply, strategy and demand. Has strong background in process industrial plant including oil & gas, power& water generation process, material handling process, glass manufacturing process,  etc. Strengths and competency fall upon the following proficiencies:

Project Management.
​Plant Operation/ manufacturing management.
​Contract/ procurement management.
​Engineering management.
​Project Planning and scheduling management.
​Presentation skill in both languages English and Arabic.

Current job is energy Demand side director in Dubai Supreme Council of Energy looking after the whole energy demand management spectrum of emirate of Dubai.  Served previously in oil and gas industry for many years as project division manager / Project Manager, handled mega feed and EPC projects and worked as general manager in glass manufacturing company as well.  

You can hear more from Faisal Rashid on Importance of district cooling in demand side management landscape of Dubai at the HVAC R Talks on 27th November, 15:00 - 15:45.