AMEINAH ALZEYOUDI (ABU DHABI)
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), the world's leading district cooling services provider, has announced the commencement of construction of its new plant in Deira.
The announcement comes after the recent awarding of the main construction contract for the plant, which will play a vital role in the Deira Waterfront development, a key component of the Deira Enrichment Project, and will serve 46 buildings, according to a statement from Empower.
The project aims to modernise and revitalise Deira by developing 20 residential areas that include spacious apartments, distinctive commercial spaces and modern offices, while preserving the heritage and cultural character of the area.
The Deira Waterfront plant will rely on the latest technologies in the field of cooling, including the award-winning Thermal Energy Storage (TES) and Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE).
These technologies will be used to produce chilled water and distribute it to buildings through heat exchange stations located in each building.
The company said that construction workers are proceeding according to the specified schedule under the direct supervision of the internal projects team at the corporation.
The new station is scheduled to be completed in two phases, with a total production capacity of 39,000 refrigeration tonnes (RT).
The first phase will start operating at the end of June 2025 with a capacity of up to 20,000 tonnes of environmentally friendly cooling.
Through this project, with the support of investors and shareholders, Empower seeks to expand its operations in Dubai.
His Excellency Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said that the expansion reflects the company's commitment to modernisation and development plans to raise the level of its services in response to the growing demand from individuals and institutions.
Empower's share of the district cooling market in Dubai exceeds 80 percent, and the expansion aims to increase the customer base to reach around 140,000 by the end of the year, he added.
The company said that the design of the new station adheres to highest international standards, taking into consideration green building standards and Dubai's recent urban developments.