Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC, also known as Empower, has awarded a contract for the design of its fifth district cooling plant in Business Bay, marking another step in expanding sustainable cooling infrastructure to support Dubai’s rapid urban growth.
The new facility will have a production capacity of up to 44,000 refrigeration tons, with construction scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.
The project forms part of Empower’s broader expansion strategy aimed at meeting rising demand for energy efficient district cooling solutions across key areas of the emirate. The upcoming plant will further strengthen cooling capacity within Business Bay, one of Dubai’s fastest growing mixed use districts.
The new facility extends Empower’s flagship Business Bay district cooling project, which already holds two Guinness World Records for the highest capacity district cooling system and the largest cooling plant coverage by number of buildings. The network currently serves 201 residential, commercial, and hospitality properties across Business Bay, Sheikh Zayed Road, and the Dubai Water Canal.
H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said the project reflects the company’s commitment to supporting Dubai’s sustainability ambitions through environmentally friendly cooling solutions that improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. He added that the expansion aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, reinforcing efforts to build resilient and resource efficient urban infrastructure.
Empower’s Business Bay district cooling development is among the largest globally, with an ultimate planned capacity of 451,540 refrigeration tons designed to serve approximately 325 buildings. The wider project will comprise nine cooling plants, four of which are already operational, supported by a pipeline network exceeding 53 kilometers.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
