Empower's Dubai district cooling project sets global records at WETEX 2025

At the opening of WETEX 2025, Dubai’s massive district cooling project in Business Bay grabbed a whole lot of attention. It’s actually the biggest system of its kind anywhere in the world—and Empower, the Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC, was there proudly showcasing this remarkable milestone. Mention “Empower,” and you’ve got the largest provider of district cooling services worldwide confirming that their project has set not one, but two Guinness World Records: one for the biggest cooling plant coverage in terms of the number of buildings, and another for the highest capacity district cooling plant.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, who chairs the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, took a tour of Empower’s stand at the event. He also met with the company’s CEO, H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, who gave him a detailed briefing. This project supplies cooling to a whopping 201 mixed-use buildings—residential, commercial, hospitality, you name it—through an impressive pipeline network stretching over 52.4 kilometers. Top Empower’s officials shared that the total connected cooling capacity is about 276,545 refrigeration tons, which roughly equals 603.37 megawatts. Basically, the scale of the Business Bay project cements Dubai’s position as a global leader in cutting-edge, sustainable district cooling infrastructure.

District cooling, for those who might not be fully familiar, is a centralized system that delivers chilled water to buildings for air conditioning. It’s increasingly popular because it’s far more energy-efficient than individual cooling systems. Empower’s approach—well, at least to me—reduces electricity use and cuts down carbon emissions quite a bit compared to traditional methods. This aligns perfectly with Dubai’s broader goals when it comes to sustainability and developing greener urban environments.

Now, there have been some discrepancies in the figures reported by different sources about the project’s capacity and how many buildings are covered. For example, some reports at WETEX 2024 mentioned a capacity of 451,540 refrigeration tons serving 188 buildings, while others noted a figure closer to 241,272 refrigeration tons for similar scopes. The official Guinness World Records certification clarifies that the Business Bay plant’s total cooling capacity is actually 603.37 MW, servicing 201 buildings—so it’s clear the project has probably seen some upgrades or expansions since those earlier reports.

This achievement from Empower really highlights how the company is expanding its presence on the global stage in district cooling. It’s a perfect example of Dubai leading the charge when it comes to climate tech innovation in the region. The Business Bay project also demonstrates the power of collaboration—between authorities and private companies—to boost energy efficiency and promote better environmental outcomes in urban areas.

Besides saving energy, district cooling also comes with other benefits—it’s generally quieter and takes up less space compared to having individual chillers on each building. These advantages contribute to Dubai’s vision of smart, sustainable cities, reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as a hub for innovative climate solutions in the UAE.

This project is part of a larger regional effort to build integrated clean energy infrastructure throughout the Middle East—especially as cities face rising cooling needs, thanks to hotter climates and denser urban environments. With the global market for district cooling expected to grow substantially over the next decade, Empower’s success and the record set in Dubai really serve as a kind of blueprint for other regions looking to adopt sustainable cooling at scale. The recognition at WETEX 2025 underscores the UAE’s leading role in climate tech, particularly in water, energy, and environmental sectors.

And as climate change continues to push the urgency for sustainable solutions, Empower’s Business Bay district cooling plant really stands out. It’s an example of what can happen when good policy, innovative technology, and smart investment come together—reducing urban carbon footprints while also supporting economic growth and enhancing quality of life.

Source: Noah Wire Services