Empower Showcases World’s Largest District Cooling at WETEX

Dubai, UAE, 30 September 2025 – His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, visited the stand of Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), the world’s largest provider of district cooling services, on the opening day of the 27th Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2025).

During the visit, His Highness was briefed on Empower’s latest achievements and landmark projects, with particular focus on the Business Bay District Cooling development — the largest project of its kind globally and holder of two Guinness World Records.

HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum was accompanied by HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Founder and Chairman of WETEX. H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, presented a detailed overview of the company’s operations, highlighting its progress and leadership in the international district cooling sector.

The Business Bay project has earned two Guinness World Records: one for the Highest Capacity District Cooling Plant (DCS) with a total connected capacity of 276,545 refrigeration tons (RT), and another for the Largest Cooling Plant Coverage (Number of Buildings), currently serving 201 mixed-use buildings, including residential, commercial, and hospitality facilities.

With a planned capacity of 451,540 RT, the project is among the largest district energy initiatives worldwide. It is designed to serve approximately 325 existing and upcoming buildings in Business Bay and nearby areas. The development includes nine plants — four already in operation and two under design — supported by a 53-kilometer pipeline network. Advanced Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems and Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) are integrated into its operations to maximize efficiency and sustainability.

“Delivering the world’s largest district cooling project reflects Dubai’s standing as a global hub for sustainable innovation. These achievements align with the vision of our wise leadership to boost resource efficiency and advance the green economy,” said H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar. “WETEX provides an important platform for sharing knowledge, showcasing pioneering solutions, and accelerating sustainability practices. Empower remains dedicated to supporting projects that cut carbon emissions and contribute to Dubai’s Demand Side Management Strategy 2050 and the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy, reinforcing the nation’s role in climate action and sustainable development.”

The 27th edition of WETEX is organised by DEWA under the directives of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum. The exhibition runs until 2 October 2025 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, where visitors can explore Empower’s projects and innovations at stand SSP2 in ARENA 2.