The Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) has announced the signing of a design contract for its fifth district cooling plant in the Business Bay area of Dubai. This facility is part of a project that has earned two Guinness World Records, boasting a cooling capacity of 44,000 tons, with construction expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026.
This initiative is aligned with Empower’s expansion strategy, designed to cater to the rapid urban growth in Dubai and the increasing demand for sustainable district cooling services, while reinforcing its infrastructure and broadening its service reach in key locations throughout the city.
Sustainable Areas
Ahmad bin Shafar, the CEO of Empower, stated: “The signing of the design contract for the fifth district cooling plant in the Business Bay area extends Empower’s growth strategy, aimed at meeting the rapid urban development in Dubai and the rising demand for efficient and sustainable cooling solutions. This project reflects our firm commitment to supporting Dubai’s ambitious sustainability plans through environmentally friendly cooling solutions that enhance energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and improve urban infrastructure efficiency. The Business Bay project is a global model for district cooling and has solidified its position by entering the Guinness World Records for both cooling capacity and coverage area, showcasing Empower’s ability to undertake major projects according to the highest international standards.” He added: “This project exemplifies our alignment with the Dubai Urban Plan 2040 and the visionary leadership’s goal to build sustainable and resilient cities that utilize smart energy and water management solutions. Empower will continue to expand its services in vital areas across the emirate and employ the latest technologies in our plants and operations to establish Dubai’s global leadership in the district cooling sector and support its journey towards a more sustainable and resource-efficient future.”
The new plant will extend the groundbreaking Business Bay project being implemented by Empower, which has made its mark in the Guinness World Records twice; first for “Highest Cooling Capacity for a District Cooling Plant” with a connected capacity of 276,545 tons, and second for “Largest Coverage of a District Cooling Plant globally,” serving 201 mixed-use buildings including residential, commercial, hotel, and service sectors.
It is noteworthy that the Business Bay district cooling project, managed by Empower, has a maximum capacity of 451,540 tons of cooling, comprising 9 district cooling plants, 4 of which are currently operational, 2 in design, along with a network of pipelines spanning 52.4 kilometers and serving 325 buildings. This makes it one of the largest district cooling projects in the world, currently providing services to 201 buildings located in Business Bay, along Sheikh Zayed Road, and along the Dubai Water Canal.