MEP Middle East – August 2019

28 MEP Middle East | August 2019 http://www.mepmiddleeast.com

MARKET FOCUS

lobal demand for air-conditioning is
projected to triple over the next 30
years, with most of the need coming
from developing countries.
According to the ‘Cooling our
World’ study, released by Strategy& Middle
East, part of the PwC network, this is set to
be a ver y expensive challenge.
The Middle East and Africa (MEA) HVAC
market is projected to profi t from such a
climate, and forecasts estimate that revenue
will top out at $10.1billion by 2024.
A study by Research and Markets highlights
several contributing factors to the regional
increase in demand; namely a surge in reli-
gious tourism, a growing construction in-
dustr y, and signifi cant major events, such
as Dubai Expo 2020, which is aiming to
attract 25million visitors over its 173-day
exhibition.
Alongside these positive driving forces of
growth, the market has also swelled because
of climate change, with warmer temperatures
necessitating a renewed focus on cooling
system effi ciency and innovation.
The MEA HVAC market can be broken
down into three brackets: ventilation, heat-
ing, and cooling.
The later categor y is then subdivided
into chillers, split units, ducted split/pack-
aged units, VRFs, and room air conditioners
(RACs).
Of all the systems in this cooling sub
categor y, it is VRF that is expected to
experience the most rapid growth in the
coming years.
The Research and Markets report,
published in June this year, stated that
VRF popularity could be attributed to the
technology being “more economical”, and
noted improving success in commercial
spaces, such as supermarkets, offi ces and
stadiums.
It went on to say: “In addition, the number
of green buildings being constructed in the
region is witnessing a positive year-on-year
growth, which is driving the demand for VRF
systems.”
This trend is pushing manufacturers to
refi ne VRF technology to deliver optimised
systems, and as the system of choice for infl u-
ential mega projects, such as the King Abdul-
lah Financial District in Saudi Arabia, VRF is
basking in the light of priceless good PR.
This extensive, Riyadh-based development
comprises 59 tower buildings across an area
of 1.6million square meters, and VRF is uti-
lised throughout.
But it is not just in headline developments
where the technology is being installed. Ac-
cording to the study, VRF systems and single

G

splits (ducted and ductless) together account

for more than 50% of the total number of

HVAC systems installed in commercial of-

fi ces or buildings in the kingdom.

The role of rising temperatures cannot be

understated either.

“Looking at the increase in temperature in

the Middle East and sub-Saharan region, hav-

ing a HVAC system is no longer considered

a luxur y, but a necessity,” stated the report.

“The change in climate has become a

major driver for HVAC systems sales that

were at their peak during the summer of

2017. That season, countries including

THE HEAT

Kuwait recorded the highest temperature of

54C.”

Equatorial countries have an average tem-

perature of 32C, with humidity coming in at 40-

50%. Coupled with stabilising economies and

improved levels of income, people are choos-

ing to invest in cooling systems on a wider

scale.

Companies such as Johnson Controls

International plc, United Technologies

Corporation, and Ingersoll-Rand plc are

benefi tting most from this upturn in spend-

ing power, and in 2017 it was reported that

they held more than a combined 50% share

As the mercury rises, so does demand