Dubai’s district cooling services provider Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower) has entered into a new partnership with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MHI Thermal Systems), a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group. This agreement, signed in Dubai by Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, and Mr. Yoshihiro Ito, president of MHI Thermal Systems, was witnessed by officials from both organizations.
The contract entails the supply of 18 state-of-the-art, energy-efficient water-cooled centrifugal chillers, totaling a capacity of 56,250 Refrigeration Tons (RT), slated for delivery starting in 2025.
These chillers are destined for various district cooling initiatives in Dubai, including the Deira Waterfront Development (DWD), Jumeirah Village, and Al Sufouh.
Flexible capacity expansion
Additionally, the agreement allows Empower the flexibility to increase its order by December 31, 2024, potentially boosting the total capacity to 100,000 RT.
This further represents the second collaboration between Empower and MHI Thermal Systems. In late 2021, they signed a previous agreement for the delivery of advanced water-cooled centrifugal chillers with an aggregate capacity of 100,000 RT, which were supplied and installed in Empower’s cooling plants in Za’abeel, DLRC, JBH, and Business Bay during 2022 and 2023. Empower has reiterated its commitment to enhancing its 87 facilities by integrating the latest technologies to better serve clients in residential, commercial, healthcare, educational, and mixed-use developments across Dubai.
Commitment to sustainability
Ahmad Bin Shafar remarked that this agreement presents a significant opportunity for both companies to propel advancements in the district cooling sector and accelerate progress toward a carbon-neutral future through energy-efficient solutions. He emphasized that these innovations not only minimize environmental impact but also pave the way for a more sustainable future. Bin Shafar further noted that the agreement aligns with Empower’s objective of modernizing its facilities with cutting-edge technologies that foster efficient, energy-conserving production methods, reflecting the company’s commitment to environmental stewardship for future generations.
Advancing infrastructure and leadership
Bin Shafar reaffirmed Empower’s resolve to develop valuable, contemporary infrastructure, maintain its leadership in the global district cooling market, and enhance the quality of eco-friendly district cooling services provided to customers in accordance with the highest international standards.
Enhancing operational efficiency
Mr. Yoshihiro Ito expressed pride in delivering advanced solutions to support Empower’s initiatives. He highlighted MHI Thermal Systems’ dedication to maximizing energy efficiency while consistently improving operational productivity. Ito emphasized the honor of collaborating with Empower to implement solutions aligned with the Dubai government’s long-term strategies, which aim to reduce energy and water consumption by thirty percent by 2030 and contribute to the UAE’s carbon emissions reduction goals.
Showcasing success in sustainable cooling
Following the signing ceremony, Empower hosted the MHI Thermal Systems team for a tour of the Business Bay district cooling plant, which holds the Guinness World Record for the highest capacity district cooling plant. This tour showcased the plant’s operations and highlighted Empower’s success in providing sustainable, environmentally-friendly district cooling services that yield economic, social, and environmental benefits in support of the UAE’s transition to a green economy.
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