District Cooling Systems: Technologies, Components, and Sustainable Engineering

Dr Swapnil Dubey is currently working as an Assistant Professor at the Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), Singapore. Before joining SIT, he was working as a Principal Research Fellow and Team Leader at the Energy Research Institute at NTU (ERI@N), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. 

Dr Dubey is a mechanical engineer and received his PhD and Master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi, India. He has 14+ years of experience in smart and sustainable technologies, building cooling and air distribution, building automation and control, net-zero and positive energy buildings, energy simulation and modelling, solar photovoltaic and thermal energy storage. 

Dr Dubey has devoted significant research effort to address issues arising from rapid urbanisation and high-density urban living, which include cooling technologies, indoor environmental quality, urban sustainability, and microclimate. He has been involved in developing new intelligent building automation and control systems based on Model-Predictive Control (MPC) principles that brings predictive intelligence to modern buildings, allowing high level of energy efficiency and occupant well-being. The research received international recognition and led to innovations and commercial deployment in high profile green building projects in Singapore. 

Dr Dubey has published over 80 peer-reviewed research papers, filed 6 patents, and published 2 books. He is a Singapore Certified Energy Manager (SCEM), a Green Mark Accredited Professional (GMAP), and a Full Member of ASHRAE, with a strong background in developing partnerships, digitalisation and decarbonisation strategies, consultancy projects, technology innovation, commercialisation and industry partnerships. 

At SIT, Dr Dubey has also been involved in teaching undergraduate and post-graduate students on topics Air-conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation, Automation and Control in Buildings, District cooling system, Fluid Mechanics, Data Centre Cooling, as well as short-terms certification courses for working adults to upskill their knowledge.

Sebastien WALKER is currently Head of Business Development for Mixed use and Real Estate at ENGIE South East Asia, a part of ENGIE Group, one of the largest independent power producers in the world and a leader in energy efficiency services and sustainable infrastructure worldwide. 

ENGIE partners with large corporations, businesses and local governments to assist them in meeting their energy needs with affordable, reliable and sustainable solutions as-a-service. Sebastien oversees business development activities across Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Australia to support and accelerate the journey towards carbon neutrality in the real estate sector. 

Prior to this appointment, Sebastien was in charge of managing a portfolio of operating energy production assets. He also worked on the development of new and existing district energy schemes in France. Sebastien is an experienced strategy consultant for the energy sector, skilled in helping companies navigate the sector’s permutations and bringing new ideas to the market. 

He holds a master’s degree in political science and business administration, as well as a Post-Master’s Degree in Energy Management from Mines Paristech and Tsinghua University.

Anne Miclo is the CTO of ENGIE South East Asia, focusing on energy efficiency for commercial and industrial buildings. She has extensive experience in the technical, legal, and financial aspects of the energy sector across multiple countries. Anne is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions in smart cities.

Dr Lu LU currently is the project director of District Cooling System (DCS) projects for both JTC and SIT developments in Punggol Digital District (PDD). He was involved in technical and commercial development in the initial project period. He is leading project management for both DCS projects in the construction phase. 

Dr Lu is a BCA registered energy auditor and Singapore Certified Energy Manager (SCEM). He was involved in various energy efficiency projects, covering audit, implementation and M&V, the whole cycle of the energy performance process. 

Dr Lu holds a bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Xi’an Jiaotong University anda PhD in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Nanyang Technologies University.

Lei Yu is currently a Senior Program Manager at Engie Singapore Lab, recognised for his innovative contributions to engineering and sustainability. With 20 years of experience in fluid dynamics, heat transfer, HVAC system design and applications, Lei has held key project and people management roles in Fortune 500 companies like Samsung Electronics, United Technologies and Carrier in China and the United States. 

Lei holds a Master of Science and Bachelor of Engineering in Thermal Engineering from Tsinghua University(China) in 2003, an MBA from École des Ponts ParisTech - Tongji University in 2010, and a PMP certification from Singapore in 2021. He excels in innovation, strategic leadership, and a competitive drive to succeed.