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Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), a provider of district cooling services, has officially entered into an agreement to construct a new district cooling plant at Dubai Science Park. The facility is expected to achieve a total production capacity of 47,000 Refrigeration Tonnes (RT) and will cater to approximately 80 mixed-use buildings within the area. The commencement of construction is planned for the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Dubai Science Park, recognized as the region’s inaugural free zone tailored for the scientific sector, is home to hundreds of companies and possesses a workforce of over 3,000 specialized professionals. It acts as a hub for innovation, supporting entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises, and multinational firms engaged in scientific research and development.
Empower has indicated that the new facility will utilize its acclaimed technologies, including thermal energy storage (TES) systems designed to mitigate peak load on the electrical grid, alongside treated sewage effluent (TSE) systems aimed at reducing freshwater consumption during its operations. Furthermore, artificial intelligence and other advanced technological solutions will be implemented to enhance efficiency and sustainability.
Currently, Empower holds a dominant market share, managing over 80 percent of Dubai’s district cooling sector. This new initiative is part of a broader expansion strategy to address the increasing need for sustainable cooling solutions within the city.
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“Empower is progressing its ambitious expansion strategy through the establishment of new facilities featuring state-of-the-art technologies, based on a strategic framework that prioritizes sustainability in its operations and fosters continuous innovation and development. This direction aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who aims to lower electricity and water consumption while establishing Dubai as a global leader in the green economy and achieving the world’s lowest carbon footprint by 2050,” stated H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower.
Bin Shafar further emphasized that this initiative represents Empower’s steadfast commitment to sustainable growth. With its 47,000 RT capacity, the new facility will provide dependable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly cooling services to the residential, commercial, and research sectors at Dubai Science Park.
“Currently, Empower runs 88 district cooling plants throughout Dubai. This new plant is a significant enhancement to our capacity and a strategic move that broadens the scope of our efficient cooling services. It underscores our essential role in supporting Dubai’s environmental and developmental goals, while also reinforcing our status as the world’s leading provider of district cooling solutions,” he concluded.