Empower Awards Construction Contract for Deira Waterfront District Cooling Plant with 39,000 RT Capacity
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), the world's leading provider of district cooling services, has commenced construction on a new district cooling plant in Dubai's Deira district. This development follows the recent awarding of the main construction contract for the facility, which will serve over 46 buildings within the Deira Waterfront development—a key element of the Deira Enrichment Project. This project aims to revitalize and upgrade the bustling district by creating 20 residential communities with spacious apartments, unique commercial spaces, and modern offices, all while preserving Deira’s rich heritage and cultural character.
The new district cooling plant will incorporate state-of-the-art technologies, including Thermal Energy Storage (TES) for optimized energy use during peak and off-peak hours, and the use of Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) to conserve fresh water. These award-winning technologies will ensure that the plant operates efficiently and sustainably.
Construction is progressing on schedule, overseen by Empower’s in-house project team. The plant will be built in two phases, ultimately reaching a total production capacity of 39,000 refrigeration tons (RT). The first phase, which will deliver approximately 20,000 RT of environmentally friendly cooling, is expected to be operational by the end of June 2025.
Empower, which holds over 80% of the district cooling market share in Dubai, remains committed to significant investment in expanding its operations throughout the city. This includes ongoing upgrades to its facilities and technical staff to meet the increasing demand for its services across various sectors.
HE Ahmad bin Shafar, Chief Executive Officer of Empower, commented, “Our teams are intensifying their efforts to provide reliable and high-quality district cooling services across Dubai. We are committed to expanding our projects and operations, which will enhance our infrastructure, broaden distribution networks, increase the number of cooling plants, and cover new areas such as the Deira Waterfront. This will contribute to expanding our customer base, which we aim to grow to around 140,000 by the end of the year.”
The new plant is being designed to meet the highest international standards, aligning with sustainable green building practices and Dubai's recent urban developments. The design will also harmonize with the overall aesthetic of the area and the exterior of the buildings within the Deira Waterfront development.
