Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (EMPOWER) has begun the operations of the first phase of its new district cooling plant in Za’abeel, Dubai, with a capacity of 27,750 refrigeration tons (RT).
Once completed, the plant will have a total cooling capacity of 50,000 RT and will be interconnected with the company’s existing district cooling plant in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) to deliver a total cooling energy of 112,000 RT, to serve the existing and upcoming projects in the area.
The projects include the DIFC buildings, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC)and the Emirates towers, the Wasl1 mega-development, the ‘One Za’abeel‘ and others. The Za’abeel plant is built according to high-level engineering and operational design criteria and international standards. It is equipped with advanced equipment and modern technologies.
EMPOWER awarded the construction contracts worth $45 million at the end of 2020 to build and provide the plant. It is built considering the criteria of sustainable green buildings and modern urban development in Dubai and the general and external appearance of the buildings in the district.
Mr. Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO of EMPOWER, said that the Za’abeel District Cooling Plant uses modern cooling technologies that consume little energy and water, and it will include two Thermal Energy Storage (TES) units to boost energy efficiency during peak hours. In addition to using Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) technology that reduces freshwater consumption and conserves natural resources, the plant will also utilize artificial intelligence (AI) in its operations.
Mr. Bin Shafar affirmed that EMPOWER will continue to expand and develop new plants that use modern technologies in a systematic and strategic framework based on sustainable development, in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
