Empower to Build 5th Cooling Plant in Business Bay

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, has awarded the design contract for its fifth district cooling plant in Business Bay, Dubai. The new plant will have a production capacity of up to 44,000 refrigeration tons (RT), with construction set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026.

The project is part of Empower’s ongoing expansion strategy to support Dubai’s rapid urban growth and rising demand for sustainable district cooling services. The company aims to strengthen its cooling infrastructure and expand coverage across key areas of the emirate.

The new plant will further expand Empower’s major Business Bay district cooling project, which already holds two Guinness World Records. These include the Highest Capacity District Cooling Plant (DCS) with a total connected capacity of 276,545 RT, and the Largest Cooling Plant Coverage (Number of Buildings), currently serving 201 buildings across residential, commercial, hospitality, and other sectors.

H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said the new plant reflects the company’s commitment to supporting Dubai’s fast-paced development and sustainability goals. He stated that the project will deliver environmentally friendly cooling solutions that improve energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions, and strengthen urban infrastructure performance.

He added that the Business Bay project is one of the world’s leading district cooling models, demonstrating Empower’s ability to execute large-scale projects according to international standards.

The project also aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and supports the leadership’s vision to build sustainable and smart cities. Empower plans to continue expanding its services in strategic locations across Dubai while adopting the latest technologies in its operations.

Empower’s Business Bay district cooling project is one of the largest district energy developments globally. It has an ultimate planned capacity of 451,540 RT and is expected to serve around 325 existing and upcoming buildings in Business Bay and nearby areas.

The project includes nine district cooling plants, with four currently operational and two in the design stage. It also features a pipeline network extending more than 53 kilometers. At present, the system provides cooling services to 201 buildings located in Business Bay, Sheikh Zayed Road, and the Dubai Water Canal.