Empower launches second district cooling plant in Dubai’s Jumeirah Village to enhance sustainability and capacity

Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (commonly known as Empower) has kicked off the construction of its second district cooling plant in Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC). This move is a key step towards significantly increasing the area’s cooling capacity. Once finished, the new plant will be able to produce around 37,000 refrigeration tonnes (RT), strengthening Empower’s presence and boosting its ability to meet the rising demand for more sustainable cooling solutions in this rapidly growing community.

Jumeirah Village, which covers two main areas—Jumeirah Village Circle (560 hectares) and Jumeirah Village Triangle (242 hectares)—is actually one of Empower’s biggest and most strategic projects. The plan includes six advanced district cooling plants, which together will provide a total capacity of 256,000 RT. The new plant in JVC will work alongside the existing pioneering facility, notable for being the world’s first unmanned district cooling plant, and which currently offers 49,000 RT of cooling capacity to around 114 buildings.

Empower has reassured everyone that the project is moving forward smoothly according to the schedule, managed closely by its own in-house project team. They’re using cutting-edge technology to make sure the new plant doesn’t just meet current standards — it exceeds them, especially in terms of energy and water efficiency. That’s super important, given Dubai’s environmental goals and the challenging, dry climate here.

In line with its sustainability efforts, Empower plans to incorporate Thermal Energy Storage (TES) and Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) technologies into the new plant. This approach—well, at least, it seems pretty clever—is designed to optimize energy use by storing cooling energy during off-peak hours, while also leveraging treated wastewater for cooling. These innovations help cut down electricity use and preserve clean water, which plays a part in lowering carbon emissions overall and conserving precious resources—kind of a win-win, surely.

Ahmad Bin Shafar, Empower’s CEO, highlighted how important this expansion really is. He said: “Empower is committed to strategic growth, constantly developing and operating next-generation district cooling plants that utilize the most sustainable global technologies. Our focus is on solutions that optimize energy flow and preserve natural resources, so we can keep up with increasing cooling demands while also supporting Dubai’s environmental targets.”

The new plant will serve a wide range of customers—from residential communities and commercial hubs to hotels—reflecting how diverse the Jumeirah Village area is. Its role will be crucial in maintaining comfort and functionality throughout the development, which keeps attracting residents, businesses, and tourists alike.

Just before construction began earlier this year, Empower awarded the design contract in early 2025. That signals they’re on track and ready to meet their timeline. The design process considered many important factors, such as ensuring the plant can integrate seamlessly with the existing district cooling setup in Jumeirah Village and scale up smoothly as the community expands.

The concept of district cooling has really gained popularity around the world, especially in the UAE, where it’s seen as a much more efficient, eco-friendly alternative to traditional air conditioning. Empower, which is actually the biggest district cooling provider globally, has been leading the charge in promoting this technology locally. The benefits are pretty impressive—cutting greenhouse gases, reducing energy consumption, and saving water compared to individual AC systems.

This effort aligns well with Dubai’s broader sustainability plans, like the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, which aims to position the emirate as a global leader in clean energy and green growth. Growing the district cooling network—like the project in JVC—is a key part of reducing the environmental footprint of urban expansion.

Looking ahead, Empower’s phased rollout of its six district cooling plants in Jumeirah Village will help meet the anticipated cooling needs while sticking to high environmental standards. This expansion not only upgrades Dubai’s infrastructure but also supports its vision of smart and sustainable urban living.

So, in summary, the start of Empower’s second district cooling plant in JVC marks a significant milestone in Dubai’s push for sustainable development. With innovations like TES and TSE integrated into the plant, it’s a clear example of how advanced engineering and environmental responsibility can come together to create efficient, scalable cooling solutions. Industry experts believe these advancements not only help Dubai reach its climate commitments but also set a global benchmark for district cooling systems.

Source: Noah Wire Services