Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider announced the commencement of operations of the first phase of its new District Cooling plant inZa’abeel with a cooling capacity of 27,750 refrigeration tons (RT). Empower stated that the total cooling capacity of the plant will be 50,000 RT upon completion and will be interconnected with company’s existing district cooling plant in DIFC to deliver a total cooling energy of 112,000 RT, to serve the existing and upcoming projects in the area, most notably, the buildings of the Dubai International Financial Center, the Dubai World Trade Center and the Emirates towers, the Wasl1 mega development, the iconic ‘One Za’abeel’ and others.

Classified as one of the new generation district cooling plants,the Za’abeel plant is built in conformity with high-level engineering and operational design criteria and international standards, and is equipped with advanced equipment and modern technologies.The construction contracts worth AED 164 million were awarded by Empower at the end of 2020 to build and equip the plant. The new plant is designed according to the highest international standards in terms of construction and building design, as it took into account the criteria of sustainable green buildings, and modern urban development in Dubai, as well as the general and the external appearance of the buildings in the district.

“We are working hard to expand our operations at an accelerating pace in accordance with international standards of sustainability, not only in terms of production, but also at the level of engineering design. The design of Za’abeelplantmeets the highest standards for building design and construction, taking into account the standards of sustainable green buildings and modern urban developments in Dubai. The general appearance of the area and the exterior of the iconic buildings in Za’abeel area and Sheikh Zayed Road were also taken into consideration when designing the plant,” said Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO of Empower.

Bin Shafar added that the Za’abeel District Cooling plant uses advanced cooling technologies with minimal energy and water consumption, and will feature two Thermal Energy Storage (TES) units to enhance energy efficiency during peak hours. In addition to using Treated Sewage Effluent(TSE)technology that contributes to reducing fresh water consumption and conserving natural resources,the plant will also utilizes, artificial intelligence (AI) in its operations.

Bin Shafar stressed that Empower is continuing its expansion and construction of new plants that leverage modern technologies within a systematic and strategic framework that is based on sustainable development, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. These efforts are aimed at reducing electricity and water consumption, and making Dubai a global center for the green economy and the city with the lowest carbon footprint in the world by 2050.