DUBAI, UAE, 25 December 2019: Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) awarded contracts with a total value of AED 1,130 billion during 2019, to various companies as part of the development of district cooling infrastructure in Dubai, the utility said through a Press release. The contracts included engineering consultancy, plant and other constructions, design and operation of cooling plants, expansion of district cooling pipe network, development of new networks to serve the latest projects in Dubai, as well as the establishment of new energy transfer stations and the procurement of pipes and fittings and more, the utility said.

According to the release, this substantial increase in the company’s contracting activity during 2019 reflects the growing demand for eco-friendly district cooling services, which helps to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change, in addition to the widespread awareness with regard to the importance of maintaining a healthy and safe environment for future generations.

In 2020, the boom in Dubai’s real estate sector is set to increase the demand for company’s district cooling services, the utility said. Empower expects an increase in number of customers and contracts, as well as completion of the construction of its new district cooling plants and expansion of the district cooling pipe network.

Moreover, Empower said, it has signed a contract to construct its new AED280 million headquarters in Al Jaddaf, Dubai, which is expected to be completed in Q1 of 2021. The utility said it has also awarded a contract for the construction of an AED 197 million district cooling plant for Dubai Production City with a total capacity of 47,000 RT (refrigeration tonnes). As part of its development strategy, the company has also completed the designs for its Business Bay 4, Business Bay 5 and Business Bay 6 plants.

As for the expansion of the cooling services network, Empower said it has awarded several contracts valued at more than AED 186 million across its different plants in Dubai, such as Dubai Production City and Sheikh Zayed Road to serve the Dubai Arena, Al Wasl Tower, Yotel Hotel, The Address Hotel, the One JBR Tower in Jumeirah Beach Residence as well as Barsha Heights and Dubai Studio City.

Additionally, Empower said it has signed a deal with Trane Commercial to supply eco-friendly district cooling equipment with a capacity of 110,000 RT, to be used in its projects in Tecom C, Dubai World Trade Centre Residences, Dubai Production City and Jumeirah Beach Hotel.

Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said: “Empower has witnessed an excessive growth and success as a result of the increased demand for district cooling services, in line with the company’s ambitious plans and strategies and its commitment towards the national strategies aimed at shifting to a green economy.

“We are aware of the demand for district cooling services, and we have clear, precise plans and great capabilities to meet the future needs, especially in mega projects across Dubai. In 2020, we will award new contracts for the construction, design and operation of new plants, expansion of the pipe network and innovation of advanced technologies for district cooling sector. In my opinion, the next stage will see a further demand for district cooling services to cater for the existing and new projects throughout the emirate.”