Environment
Empower Sees 20% Surge in District Cooling Consumption and 44% Growth in Contracts in H1 2024
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), the world's largest district cooling services provider, has reported a significant 20% increase in district cooling consumption (measured in Refrigeration Tons per hour) for the first half of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023. This rise reflects a growing demand for Empower's district cooling services, which have seen a cumulative increase of approximately 55% over the past five years, from 2019 to 2023.
The surge in consumption is attributed to several factors, including high occupancy rates in existing real estate projects in Dubai and the addition of several large-scale real estate projects to Empower’s portfolio. The company's well-diversified customer base, spanning residential, commercial, hospitality, retail, and entertainment sectors, has also contributed to this growth as these segments increasingly adopt environmentally friendly practices aimed at reducing carbon emissions.
Empower’s connected capacity reached 1.53 million refrigeration tons (RT) in the first half of 2024, with the contracted capacity surpassing 1.72 million RT. This marks a 44% growth in the number of agreements signed during this period compared to the same time last year. The increased demand underscores the importance of district cooling systems in the planning and design of modern, sustainable buildings in Dubai and globally.
Market Leadership and Environmental Impact
Empower continues to dominate the district cooling market in Dubai, expanding its market share to over 80% by the end of 2023. The company's commitment to developing district cooling infrastructure and adopting cutting-edge technologies has positioned it as a leader in supporting Dubai’s mega urban projects.
HE Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, emphasized that the rising demand for district cooling services reflects growing customer confidence in the company's environmentally friendly solutions. He highlighted the role of district cooling in combating climate change, conserving natural resources, and reducing carbon emissions, aligning with Dubai’s vision for comprehensive and sustainable development under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Empower remains dedicated to expanding its services and evolving its business model to contribute to environmental protection and climate preservation in the UAE and beyond.