Cardiff-based technology firm Sure Chill has signed a deal with Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (Dewa) (WalesOnline, 2016).

Sure Chill was one of thirty companies selected to take part in the Dubai Future Accelerators programme. The Dubai Government-backed initiative ran for twelve weeks, with companies selected from 2,274 entries. After completing the programme Sure Chill signed an MoU with Dewa.

H.E. Saif Al-Aleeli, CEO of the Dubai Future Foundation, said “It was only 150 days ago that this program was a mere idea and we wondered whether we could turn Dubai into a test bed for innovation. In September we opened our doors to the world’s most innovative companies to work side-by-side with leading government departments to solve future civic challenges. The results these companies have achieved over the 12 weeks of the program have been remarkable. With nineteen out of 30 companies we have signed commercial agreements worth US$33.5M. At the Dubai Future Accelerators we are committed to work with the world’s best and brightest to address global challenges.”

Sure Chill’s patented cooling technology is used for blood and vaccine storage (Sure Chill, 2016). It also has applications within the agri-food, beverage and retail sectors, and can help businesses and home owners reduce their energy costs. Unlike conventional refrigeration it does not require a constant electricity supply and can be used to time-shift energy usage. Dewa are particularly attracted to the technology, which they hope will help increase efficiency and cost savings within their electrical grid. The cooling technology was launched in 2011 and is currently used in over forty countries.

The initial project will see Sure Chill vaccine refrigerators installed in Dubai, proving continual cooling without power and batteries. The aim of the pilot will be to evidence the significant positive impact financially and environmentally for Dewa and individual users, in switching to Sure Chill refrigerators.

Nigel Saunders, CEO of Sure Chill said “Sure Chill’s smart grid ready technology is a perfect fit with the needs of Dewa and other developed electricity grids around the world. The technology provides a mechanism to grids to manage demand, capacity and generation effectively. Our technology will provide Dewa with the ability to invest in the next generation of devices that will be required for Smart Grids to operate successfully. We look forward to growing a prosperous relationship and showing Dubai the scalable and adaptable capabilities of Sure Chill technology.”