World’s largest district cooling project unveiled

The 27th edition of the Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX 2025) opened today as top firms have showcased their latest achievements and mega projects, including the Business Bay district cooling project, classified as the largest of its kind in the world and holder of two Guinness World Records. While touring the exhibition, 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 district cooling services provider.

He was briefed on Empower’s latest achievements and mega projects, most notably the Business Bay district cooling project, classified as the largest of its kind in the world and holder of two Guinness World Records.

Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum was accompanied by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), Founder and Chairman of WETEX. During the visit, Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, delivered a detailed overview of the company’s key projects and its major accomplishments in the global district cooling sector. He also briefed on Empower’s Business Bay project, through which the company has achieved two Guinness World Records, for the Highest Capacity District Cooling Plant (DCS) with a total connected capacity of 276,545 refrigeration tons (RT), and for the Largest Cooling Plant Coverage (Number of Buildings), currently serving 201 multi-use buildings including residential, commercial, hospitality, and other facilities.

The project is one of the largest district energy projects globally, with an ultimate capacity of 451,540 RT to serve around 325 existing and upcoming buildings within the development and adjacent areas.

The Business Bay District Cooling project comprises nine district cooling plants, out of which, four are currently operational and two are in the design stage, and an existing pipeline network of 53 kilometres. The plants are equipped with advanced Thermal Energy Storage (TES) technologies and utilise Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) in operations, along with other advanced technologies.

“Empower’s excellence in delivering the world’s largest district cooling project reflects Dubai’s position as a global platform for innovation in energy and sustainability. These achievements come in line with the vision and directives of our wise leadership to enhance resource efficiency and strengthen the foundations of a green economy.