New Age Water Heaters Acing The 'Sustainable' GAME

(MENAFN- Mid-East Info) energy efficiency and environmental respect is taking the centre stage at all global platforms. Taking cognizance of the matter, industries across the globe have been taking some serious measures to deal with such a critical agenda. When it comes to hot water production and delivery, leading companies globally have already started walking the talk by offering customers products that are smart and sustainable. The consumers' growing awareness and shift in the demand from traditional technology towards high-efficiency and renewable products has been driving this transition in the water heating segment just like any other industry vertical. As a result, new age water heaters are fast embracing the trend and have taken an eco-conscious route to deliver energy efficient alternatives.

Recent Global Information Inc. research highlighted that the Middle East Water Heater Market reached US$1.83 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.6% over the next decade. Rising energy costs, electrical network control and reduced carbon footprint are the factors driving the demand for energy-efficient and sustainable water heating solutions. At the same time, the government has been pushing the agenda of actively promoting energy-efficient technologies through policies and incentives aimed at reducing energy consumption

We have asked Ariston Group, a global leader with 95 years of history, public company (:ARIS) headquartered in Italy with a brand in UAE, to provide their perspective on new technologies and market acceptance.

To live up to their customers' expectations in a high growth market, both residential and institutional, leading manufacturers have started developing innovative water heaters which are equipped with advanced ways to generate heat and retain it, such as improved insulation, smart thermostats.

Technology for sustainable solutions...

In the Middle East, with its wealth of sunshine across the seasons, solar energy is predictably a popular energy source and has been well accepted for water heating. It is an environmentally friendly solution that is extremely efficient, can be integrated with green systems, which ultimately proves to be a smart investment in the long run. Solar powered water heating solutions are popular for both residential villas and commercial applications with forced circulation systems.

On the other hand, heat pumps harness ambient air to warm water, offering an energy efficient alternative. It is basically reverse technology, similar but the exact opposite of air conditioning. The result is a game-changer in sustainable Water Heating solutions. Modern technologies like solar systems and air to water heat pumps perfectly serve the scope. They use a clean and renewable source, either sun or air, to heat the water, thereby delivering maximum comfort while reducing polluting emissions and protecting the environment. Statistically, heat pump only uses 1/3^rd of the electric energy necessary to heat water compared to a traditional water heater. For every 100 units of heat given to the water, only 30 units of electric energy are required while the other 70 units are freely taken from the air. The C.O.P. (Coefficient of Performance) defines the efficiency of the heat pump through the ratio between the energy obtained and the energy given.

Environment concerns gaining momentum...

Heat Pump water heaters are already well accepted in the US and European markets as they reduce energy consumption up to 70 – 80% as compared to traditional water heaters based on coefficient of performance, which in turn, depends on air temperature and humidity.

In the UAE, heat pumps along with solar powered solutions are fast gaining traction, and an increase in their popularity is anticipated in the coming years as environment concerns gain momentum. UAE Vision 2021 flagged off the road to green technologies with its mandate to improve the quality of air, preserve water resources, increase the contribution of clean energy and implement green growth plans. This undertaking has been followed by the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the National Climate Change Plan 2017 – 2050 which commits to increase the contribution of clean energy in the total energy mix from 25% to 50% by 2050 and reduce carbon footprint of power generation by 70%, thus saving AED 700 billion by 2050. It also seeks to increase consumption efficiency of individuals and corporates by 40%. Green/Low power features have become a key pillar to design an effective water heating solution, according to the new regulations in the UAE.

Success Stories to Follow & Imbibe

Solar energy powered solutions have been deployed by Ariston in high profile projects across the region like the Sustainability Pavilion in Expo Dubai, the office of The Ministry of Interior, Saudi Arabia in Jeddah as well as residential and hotel projects.

Heat pumps are rapidly becoming popular in varied project for their remarkable results. The heat pumps installed in Ecos Dubai Hotel at Al Furjan save the property energy consumption, amounting to a cost reduction of more than AED 450,000 over a year.

Similarly, the Tecom Authority had an issue with high electricity bills due to use of electric water heaters in a labor camp with many tenants. The solution involved replacement with heat pump water heaters that translate into a reduced carbon footprint and a more environmentally responsible choice. Operating the heat pumps has a significant impact on energy savings, while maintaining the heating for a reasonable period. As a result, the Dubai Industrial City Labour Camp saves approximately AED 350,000 over a year and will recoup its investment in approx. 3.5 years.

Many hotels leverage solar PV in conjunction with heat pumps to heat water. These systems represent a perfect integration of different renewable solutions: sun and air. The Marriott Courtyard in Barsha and the Rove Hotel in Healthcare City Dubai are examples of harnessing solar power with heat pump technology.

Setting the RIGHT TRENDS...

Ariston, as a global company has taken up a mandate to contribute to the conservation of our planet by granting access to the most efficient technologies and the best services all over the world. Our investment in R&D keep Ariston ahead in this endeavour and since it has been corporate citizens of the Middle East for more than 40 years Ariston has already crossed many milestones in the UAE, GCC, across the region. In 2024 the growth in sales of sustainable solutions has increased by 30%. The mixture of technological advancements and enduring superior quality of our product have been appreciated by our customers. We anticipate an acceleration of this trend in the years to come and expect to remain forerunners in the decades ahead.

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