Operations at the Deira Waterfront district cooling plant have begun, and it will provide a total cooling capacity of 39,000 refrigeration tons (RT) to more than 46 buildings within the area.
This was announced by Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), which added that the plant was constructed in accordance with the highest international standards, aligned with sustainable green‑building principles and Dubai’s modern urban development.
The plant’s engineering design reflects the overall aesthetic of the area and complements the architectural identity of the surrounding buildings.
Empower said it remains committed to expanding its operations through strategic investments that promote sustainable cooling solutions and diversify its project portfolio across multiple sectors. It currently has more than 80 per cent of Dubai’s district‑cooling market share.
Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, commented: “The operation of the Deira Waterfront plant embodies the vision of our wise leadership, which has placed sustainability and resource efficiency at the core of Dubai’s urban and economic development.
“The project reflects our commitment to providing highly efficient cooling solutions that support Dubai’s vision of building smart, sustainable cities, enhancing quality of life and community prosperity. The new plant also serves one of the most prominent development projects in the heart of historic Deira, underscoring our dedication to contributing to the balanced development of the emirate’s various regions and meeting their growing needs for world‑class cooling services.
“Empower continues to advance its strategic investments to expand operations, modernise facilities, and enhance the capabilities of its technical teams, ensuring its ability to meet the growing demand for cooling services while delivering sustainable, energy‑efficient and cost‑effective solutions.”
The agreement to provide sustainable district‑cooling services for the Deira Waterfront project was signed in 2018 with Ithra Dubai, a wholly‑owned subsidiary of the Investment Corporation of Dubai. Empower began supplying cooling to the project within eight months through a semi‑permanent plant. The contract for the construction of a new, permanent district‑cooling plant dedicated to the development was signed in 2024.
The Deira Waterfront project is one of Dubai’s most prominent and strategic developments, reflecting the emirate’s vision of creating integrated urban destinations that blend tradition with modernity. It features world‑class residential, commercial and tourism facilities.