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District cooling services provider Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) has signed a contract to design a new district cooling plant at Dubai Science Park. The facility will have a total production capacity of 47,000 Refrigeration Tonnes (RT) and will serve nearly 80 mixed-use buildings in the community. Construction is scheduled to begin by the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Dubai Science Park, the region’s first free zone dedicated to the science sector, hosts hundreds of companies and over 3,000 specialised professionals. It serves as an innovation hub for entrepreneurs, SMEs, and multinational corporations engaged in scientific research and development.
According to Empower, the new plant will integrate its award-winning technologies, including thermal energy storage (TES) systems to reduce peak load on the grid and treated sewage effluent (TSE) systems to cut freshwater use in operations. Artificial intelligence applications and other advanced solutions will also be deployed to maximise efficiency and sustainability.
Empower currently commands more than 80 per cent of Dubai’s district cooling market. The new project forms part of its wider expansion plan to meet the city’s growing demand for sustainable cooling solutions.
Read: Empower begins district cooling service for world’s largest residential tower
“Empower is advancing its ambitious expansion plans by building new plants equipped with the latest technologies, under a strategic framework that places sustainability at the core of its operations and emphasises innovation and continuous development. This approach is guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, aimed at reducing electricity and water consumption and positioning Dubai as a global hub for the green economy and the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world by 2050,” said H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower.
Bin Shafar added that the project highlights Empower’s ongoing commitment to sustainable growth. With its 47,000 RT capacity, the new plant will deliver reliable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly cooling to Dubai Science Park’s residential, commercial, and research facilities.
“Empower currently operates 88 district cooling plants across Dubai. This new facility is a significant addition to our capacity and a strategic step that expands the reach of efficient cooling services. It also highlights our vital role in supporting Dubai’s environmental and developmental objectives, while solidifying our position as the world’s largest district cooling services provider,” he concluded.
