The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) is eyeing lower carbon emissions in New Clark City in Tarlac by implementing district cooling technology in partnership with Qatar- and Japan-based companies.

In a statement Monday, BCDA said it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with United District Energy International LLC of Qatar and Marubeni Corp. of Japan to explore low-carbon district cooling technology in its flagship project in Capas,Tarlac.

Under the MOU, the parties will conduct technical and commercial feasibility studies to explore the viability of the district cooling technology in New Clark City.

The MOU is aligned with BCDA’s vision for New Clark City to be the country’s first smart, resilient and green metropolis.

“A district cooling system in this sustainable metropolis will enable us to provide the most environmentally friendly and cost-efficient solution to future residents and locators,” BCDA president and chief executive officer Joshua Bingcang said.

The district cooling systems integrate centralized chillers, thermal energy storage tanks and advanced cooler systems as alternatives to decentralized air conditioners.

“By utilizing these systems in New Clark City, electricity consumption by future residents and locators will be cut by as much as 50 percent, carbon dioxide emissions and pollution will be reduced, air quality and temperature control will be improved and utilization of available space will be more efficient,” the BCDA added.

Aside from smart cooling technology, the BCDA, together with its public and private partners, ushered green measures in the New Clark City such as utilizing renewable energy sources, promoting active mobility, conserving biodiversity and setting aside 60 percent of the land area for parks, green spaces and water bodies. (PNA)