Empower to help peers in the region to boost district cooling industry that is growing between 15 and 20% annually

Empower to help peers in the region to boost district cooling industry that is growing between 15 and 20% annually

Bin Shafar: Absence of long term planning is biggest obstacle facing District Cooling companies


Dubai, UAE, 16th January, 2011: Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Emirates Central Cooling Corporation (Empower), the largest district cooling service provider in the region, has invited District cooling companies in the Middle East to benefit from EMPOWER’s experience and boost the growth of the industry that is growing between 15 and 20 per cent annually.

Shafar said district cooling industry is faced with obstacles like absence of long term planning. He said though the Middle East is still in its fancy in the field district cooling, the potential is great as government support is huge and new real estate projects launched over the past five years demand this technology. Further, this technology is environment friendly and is in line with government approach to energy conservation.

Bin Shafar pointed out that other challenges include lack of high caliber technical and marketing personnel which has led to financial issues. In contrast, Empower achieved a revenue growth of 27 percent in 2010, driven by a prudent policy.

Bin Shafar added: “We are ready to support our peers in the industry so that we can enhance the global competiveness of the Gulf district cooling industry. We have developed expertise that has been acquired through seven years of hand work and international collaboration.”

Bin Shafar said that the Gulf has a competitive edge compared to many other countries in the world because of its recent adoption of district cooling and this technology is seamlessly integrated into the real estate projects, unlike places in Northern America and Europe where the technology has to be added to existing projects.

Bin Shafar added that the UAE was the first in the Middle East to realize the importance of district cooling as an alternative to conventional cooling, compared to very modest usage in other parts of the Middle East.

Empower succeeded in adopting world class district cooling infrastructure to implement this system that is considered an ideal economic and environmental solution for residential and commercial units, offices and hotels. The operational savings in a residential unit compared to conventional AC technologies is remarkable.

Empower tops the list of companies providing district cooling service in the region. The company, owned by DEWA and TECOM, had adopted a clear strategy to preserve environment through aggressively disseminating this technology and conducting campaigns to highlight its strategic value in the short and long run to the people and the society in general.

About Empower:
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) is a joint venture between Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (TECOM) Investments and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), created to provide energy-efficient district cooling services to large-scale real estate developments. Empower plans to diversify into other energy efficiency and conservation services. Empower's district cooling systems (DCS) provide effective and efficient means of air conditioning. Water is cooled in central plants and distributed through a network of piping systems to individual customer buildings. DCS achieves economies of scale by using centralised plants instead of individual cooling units in each building. The centralised system results in reduced capital and operating costs, thus reducing air-conditioning set-up and energy costs per building. Empower is set to become one of the largest district cooling companies in the region.

Empower to adopt a conservative demand-based strategy in investing in new plants

Empower to adopt a conservative demand-based strategy in investing in new plants

Bin Shafar: This has been the company’s strategy since inception to ensure high return on investment

Dubai, UAE, 20th December, 2010: Ahmed Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, the largest district cooling service provider in the region, revealed that the company has adopted a conservative strategy in investing in building plants based on actual rather than projected demand.

He said the company has adopted this strategy since inception so that the investments are done prudently, thus enhancing the financial status of the company and putting it on par with international companies in the domain of district cooling.
Bin Shafar added: “The decision of increasing the number of plants is based on the actual demand from customers for district cooling, driven by the actual consumption instead of anticipated consumption.”

He added: “Inspite of the 60 percent increase in the number of customers (16,000 by the end of this year), we plan to take a cautious approach. Our strategy is simple, we build permanent, semi permanent and temporary plants to ensure that our supplies meet the demand in the most feasible way possible in the short and long run.”
Empower increases its plants to meet the increased demand for district cooling systems as the main alternative to the traditional air conditioning systems in Dubai. This technology leads to energy saving and environment conservation, as well as lowering operations and maintenance costs.

The increase in the consumption of district cooling provided by EMPOWER has reached 45 percent, while the number of plants belonging to the company increased by 37 percent in 2010. The actual consumption for district cooling has increased remarkably due to the growth in the number of residential units that has entered into this service in projects served by the company like in Business Bay and the entire residential units of Mirdif.

Empower's cooling plants has increased to 29, including news ones in places like DIFC, Dubai healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence and Business Bay.
Empower's district cooling systems provide effective and efficient means of air conditioning. Water is cooled in central plants and distributed through a network of piping systems to individual customer buildings. District cooling achieves economies of scale by using centralised plants instead of individual cooling units in each building.

Empower records 37 percent increase in district cooling plants in 2010

Empower records 37 percent increase in district cooling plants in 2010

Bin Shafar stresses the importance of investing in district cooling sector to reduce energy consumption in the UAE

Dubai, UAE, 7th November 2010: Empower has revealed that the number of its cooling plants has risen to 37, compared to 27 in 2009, an increase of 37 per cent.
Ahmed Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said: "The increase in number of plants was a response to the expanding operation plans of Empower and to cope up with the huge demand on the use of district cooling as an alternative solution to the conventional air conditioning systems.”

"The increase in the consumption of district cooling shows that Dubai is becoming more aware of the importance of using district cooling system and its instrumental role in saving energy and conserving the environment, as well as lowering operations and maintenance costs," he added.

Empower increased the number of its work stations to boost the use of district cooling systems which is ideal in reducing carbon footprint.
Bin Shafar added: “District cooling systems are better than conventional ones as they make use of the surplus heat in low-cost and effective cooling systems. Also, district cooling systems are environment friendly which save the natural resources.”
Empower's district cooling systems provide effective and efficient means of air conditioning. Water is cooled in central plants and distributed through a network of piping systems to individual customer buildings. District cooling achieves economies of scale by using centralised plants instead of individual cooling units in each building.

About Empower:
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) is a joint venture between Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (TECOM) Investments and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), created to provide energy-efficient district cooling services to large-scale real estate developments. Empower plans to diversify into other energy efficiency and conservation services. The centralised system results in reduced capital and operating costs, thus reducing air-conditioning set-up and energy costs per building. Empower is set to become one of the largest district cooling companies in the region.

Empower provides district cooling to Mirdif Gate Buildings

Empower provides district cooling to Mirdif Gate Buildings

Bin Shafar: “Our ROI is high because we study demand factors before venturing into new projects”

Dubai, UAE, 12 July, 2010: Emirates Central Cooling Corporation (Empower), the largest district cooling service provider in the MENA region, has added Mirdif Gate Buildings project to its portfolio of district cooling services.

Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, a joint venture between Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and TECOM Investments, said the project was preceded by extensive studies before investing into central stations and networks to enhance ROI in the long and short run.

Bin Shafar said that Dubai was moving rapidly towards increased use of district cooling as an alternative to conventional district cooling because of its efficiency in rationalizing electricity consumption and conserving natural resources and reducing operating and maintenance costs.

With this project, Empower will provide district cooling services to Mirdif area along other areas in Dubai most notably Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Business Bay and City Of Arabia.

Empower's district cooling systems (DCS) provide effective and efficient means of air conditioning. Water is cooled in central plants and distributed through a network of piping systems to individual customer buildings.

Bin Shafar added: “Empower’s world class plant in Mirdif will provide services to 59 buildings with a capacity of 320 refrigeration tonnes (RT). Mirdif station adopts world class techniques and provides customers with high quality services round the clock through hi-tech solutions and electronic systems.”

He added: “We are happy to complete this project in Mirdif. We conducted extensive research on the demand factor. Mirdif is one of the dynamic destinations of Dubai and it is becoming a very busy area. This area has developed remarkably and it offers customers a wide array of options. We have managed to create a large demand on our services from landlords and tenants at the same time”.

Empower’s network is scalable to cope with any demand that might occur at any time in any of its projects in Dubai.

Empower is very clear in identifying priorities and responsibilities and it focuses on enhancing performance through a group of management and operational teams.

Empower customer base to grow 60% by end of 2010

Empower customer base to grow 60% by end of 2010

Company has boosted demand for district cooling services through community outreach programmes

Dubai, UAE, 8 June, 2010: Emirates Central Cooling Corporation (Empower) has projected that its customer base will reach 16,000 by the end of 2010, compared to 10,000 customers in 2009, an increase of 60 %.
With this, Empower will become the largest district cooling service provider in the region with regards to the number of customers. The company provides district cooling service to a wide array of projects in Dubai, including Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Business Bay and City Of Arabia.
Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said: “Empower has succeeded in boosting the demand for district cooling services through a well-rounded community outreach strategy. We have spread the message that this new technology delivers optimal results not only to customers but also to the society at a socio-economic level by reducing electricity and water consumption and conserving the environment.”
Bin Shafar added: “A clear evidence on the success of our strategy is the growth we have achieved in the numbers of customers whom we consider our partners regardless of the size of their adoption of our services.”
Empower's district cooling systems (DCS) provide effective and efficient means of air conditioning. Water is cooled in central plants and distributed through a network of piping systems to individual customer buildings. Empower which is a joint venture between Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and TECOM Investments has world class work stations being built on various locations in the Emirate of Dubai.

After 12 years of being adopted commercially, district cooling services providers in the UAE with Empower topping the list have developed a world class district cooling infrastructure and network. Against the latest equipments and solutions, the company has worked on enhancing the awareness of society to the importance of this technology in saving the operating and maintenance costs and its user friendliness and high level of conserving the environment.

The operational savings percentage in a residential unit compared with conventional AC technologies ranges between 40 and 45 per cent. The technology is considered an ideal economic and environmental solution for residential and commercial units, offices and hotels in the Gulf area.

District Cooling Service results in less capital and operating costs, thus reducing air-conditioning set-up and energy costs per building. This is encouraging more customers to demand the service.

Empower has achieved this big number of customers base at a time the company plans to diversify its services and provide more energy saving efficient solutions.

Empower has advanced centralized plants providing round the clock world class services based on fully automated electronic system.


About Empower:
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) is a joint venture between Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (TECOM) Investments and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), created to provide energy-efficient district cooling services to large-scale real estate developments. Empower plans to diversify into other energy efficiency and conservation services. Empower's district cooling systems (DCS) provide effective and efficient means of air conditioning. Water is cooled in central plants and distributed through a network of piping systems to individual customer buildings. DCS achieves economies of scale by using centralised plants instead of individual cooling units in each building. The centralised system results in reduced capital and operating costs, thus reducing air-conditioning set-up and energy costs per building. Empower is set to become one of the largest district cooling companies in the region.

Empower begins phase three of the District Cooling network in Business Bay

Empower begins phase three of the District Cooling network in Business Bay

CEO says Bay Square cooling district network on schedule

Dubai, UAE, 9th May, 2010: As part of its move to provide integrated district cooling services for the entire Business Bay project, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) began the third phase of the 70,000 refrigeration tonne (RT) district cooling network for the Bay Square within Business Bay.

The company had announced earlier the completion of two phases of the project which include “the Executive Towers” and the Towers Area that overlooks Sheikh Zayed Road from Emirates Airlines Building extending to the rear of the Executive Towers with 50000 refrigeration tonne (RT).

Empower has implemented the project with a high level of efficiency, seamlessness, precision and within the set budget and timeline.

Ahmed Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said: “We divided the implementation of district cooling network of Business Bay, which is one of the busiest and dynamic business spots not only of Dubai but also of the Middle East, into three phases as per demand and supply. We worked according to the timeline by constructing temporary and semi permanent work stations. As always, best of breed technologies were used in constructing this world class network to ensure highest performance and quality.”

Bin Shafar added: “We did due diligence all the stages of implementing this project by clearly identifying priorities, responsibilities and roles and overcoming many challenges that cropped up. This project plays a crucial role in saving natural resources by saving electricity and water consumption in all the residential and business units. The start of phase three of the third phase of the district cooling network reflects the high caliber of our staff who have been working on similar challenging jobs since the inception of Empower in 2003.”

Empower provides energy-efficient district cooling services to Business Bay along other projects including large-scale real estate developments such as Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence and City Of Arabia.

“We are pleased that district cooling is gaining wider recognition in the region. District cooling systems (DCS) achieve economies of scale by using centralised plants instead of individual cooling units in each building. The centralised system results in reduced capital and operating costs, thus reducing air-conditioning set-up and energy costs per building,” said Bin Shafar.

Bin Shafar added: “This new network saves energy with a percentage of 40 percent. We are satisfied with Empower’s role in disseminating the district cooling technology in the UAE via this world class network”.

About Empower:
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) is a joint venture between Dubai Technology and Media Free Zone (TECOM) Investments and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), created to provide energy-efficient district cooling services to large-scale real estate developments. Empower plans to diversify into other energy efficiency and conservation services. Empower's district cooling systems (DCS) provide effective and efficient means of air conditioning. Water is cooled in central plants and distributed through a network of piping systems to individual customer buildings. DCS achieves economies of scale by using centralised plants instead of individual cooling units in each building. The centralised system results in reduced capital and operating costs, thus reducing air-conditioning set-up and energy costs per building. Empower is set to become one of the largest district cooling companies in the region.

Empower re-certified for firm commitment to Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) performance

Empower re-certified for firm commitment to Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) performance

Companies that compromise on QHSE standards will be left behind, says Empower CEO

Dubai, UAE, 21 March, 2010: Emirates Central Cooling Corporation (Empower), the largest district cooling service provider in the region, has been re-certified with ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OHSAS 18001and Bureau VERITAS certifications.

The coveted recognition comes in the wake of the company's success in enhancing district cooling usage amongst real estate developers in Dubai as an alternative to the conventional AC systems, leading to energy saving and environment conservation, as well as lower operational and maintenance costs.

While accepting the recognition, the company reiterated its core values of quality and safety, and cautioned industry peers in the region against compromising on Quality, Health, Safety and Environmental (QHSE) parameters as such attitude will leave them behind.

Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said: “Since inception, Empower was well aware that QHSE parameters hold the key to growth. ISO 9001 quality management systems have been responsible for continuous improvements in our systems and processes. Thereafter, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 certifications helped us integrate QHSE policies.”

Empower, a joint venture between TECOM Investments and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), is aggressively continuing its growth in 2010 with Dubai’s vision to set the pace for sustainable buildings. Dubai is the only city in the world where all new developments are required to adopt green building practices.

Bin Shafar said: “We are delighted to be assessed by Bureau Veritas which re-certified us for ISO 9001for our Quality standard and ISO 14001 for Environmental standard, OHSAS 18001 for Occupational health and safety standard and Bureau Veritas Certification which offers the possibility of integrated certification services (quality, health & safety, environment, social responsibility) and generate audit efficiency, consistency and optimization.”

Bin Shafar added: “Boosted by these certifications, our customers can expect the safest, healthiest and most environmental-friendly solutions. Our commitment to QHSE excellence will further enhance our standing as the largest district cooling service provider in the region.”
DCS Organizations in the world are increasingly concerned about achieving and demonstrating sound occupational health and safety performance by improving the beneficial effects of their activities, products and services. Increasingly, stringent legislation, development of economic policies, human resources management and other measures are used to foster these measures.
Empower plays an instrumental role in environment reservation and the trend for green living and energy reduction has been truly accelerated through the company’s efforts.

Empower tops the list of companies providing district cooling service in the region. It adopts a clear strategy to preserve environment through aggressively disseminating this technology and highlighting its necessity for the better of the society. The company provides district cooling service to a number of projects in Dubai, including Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Culture City, Business Bay and City Of Arabia.

District cooling service in limelight at WETEX 2010 following Dubai’s success in implementing it in most real estate projects

Empower urges GCC authorities to prioritize environment conservation

District cooling service in limelight at WETEX 2010 following Dubai’s success in implementing it in most real estate projects

Dubai, UAE, 8 March, 2010: Emirates Central Cooling Corporation (Empower), the largest district cooling service provider in the region, has called on GCC countries to make district cooling service mandatory in its new real estate projects, with the goal of saving energy and preserving natural resources, following Dubai’s success in this area.

The call comes on the event of Empower’s participation in the 12th Water Technology, Energy and Environment Exhibition – WETEX 2010 which will be held under the directive of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai and under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from March 9 to 11, 2010.

In line with the Exhibition's aim of spreading awareness of rational consumption orientated towards environmentally-friendly water and energy consumption, EMPOWER said that new real estate projects in Dubai were mostly equipped with district cooling service, with statistics showing that each residential unit achieved operational saving percentage when using DCS compared with conventional AC technologies between 40 and 45 per cent.

On display at Empower’s stand at the show is ELIPS wire solutions. ELIPS is the newly established Empower-Logstor Insulated Pipes System and UAE's largest pre-insulated pipe manufacturing facility, in Jebel Ali.

Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower said: “The $25 million facility caters to the requirements of District Cooling Services and Oil and Gas across the Middle East. District cooling is 50% more efficient than conventional air conditioning solutions; by the farsighted vision of the Emirate, this technology managed to remove a big portion of the heavy load on the electricity grid when demand for cooling is high.”

Bin Shafar added: “District cooling is the most eco-friendly air-conditioning technology in meeting the world’s CO2 reduction targets. We urge GCC countries to take UAE’s efforts into DCS as a model. The regional growth in district cooling systems will be huge in the years to come and this is why we participate in such regional exhibitions because we have a role to play in finding ways to integrate this technology across residential and commercial units in the Middle East region.”

ELIPS helps service the critical demand for high quality pre-insulated pipes, especially for district cooling, which is increasingly being seen as the most energy efficient, safe, proven and environment-friendly solution to cool buildings.

At the three-day show, EMPOWER will showcase its entire range of products including pre-insulated pipe products.

WETEX not only represents technologies, but also adopts and supports the issues and topics in the field of sustainable development and conservation of the environment.

Bin Shafar said: “WETEX agenda includes discussion of issues and topics focusing on climate change which is global in nature. In this part of the world cooling is essential for more than five months a year, and this make it more imperative to not only take what the modern world has to offer but also go the extra mile by innovating new technologies for the good of our children.”

In line with the Exhibition's aim of spreading awareness of rational consumption orientated towards environmentally-friendly water and energy consumption, EMPOWER will focus on showcasing the latest standards of environmental conservation for the visitors and participants of its stand and the company will use the exhibition to discuss the latest developments and advancements in the energy industry and exchange expertise with global peers and vendors of world class technologies.
Empower is providing district cooling service to a wide array of projects in Dubai, including Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Culture City, Business Bay and City Of Arabia.

Business development between Swedish companies and Empower holds big potential, says Sweden's Ambassador

Business development between Swedish companies and Empower holds big potential, says Sweden's Ambassador

Bruno S Beijer briefed on Empower's projects in the UAE


Dubai, UAE, 23rd February, 2010: The Swedish Ambassador to the UAE, HE Bruno S Beijer, has said that the current situation offers tremendous potential for developing business tie ups between Dubai based companies such as Empower and Swedish technology vendors.

While visiting Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Emirates Central Cooling Corporation (Empower), a TECOM-DEWA joint venture, Ambassador Beijer praised Empower's mission in providing Dubai with clean cooling.

He said: “Empower played an instrumental role in Dubai's transformation towards a more sustainable 'green' society. We firmly believe that there is an obvious potential for collaboration between Empower and the many Swedish companies which focus on Environmental Technology. We hope this would lead to more mutually interesting business ties between Empower and the Swedish companies operating in Sweden or in Dubai.”

HE Beijer said: “I am really impressed with what Empower has done in such a record period of time. We discussed in the meeting the possibilities of further cooperation between Empower and the Swedish companies as far as the Swedish technical solutions are concerned.”

Dubai and Sweden has been enjoying cordial relations for several years, and the current time represents even more promising opportunities for mutual business and trade relations.

Bin Shafar said: “Empower always looks at solutions from world class companies and we believe that we need to have more joint ventures with top-notch organisations. Just a month ago, we inaugurated Empower-Logstor Insulated Pipes Systems (ELIPS), UAE's largest pre-insulated pipe manufacturing facility, in Jebel Ali. These moves not only signify UAE’s drive towards diversification of economy and it also reflects our search for partnerships with international companies.”

Dubai’s success in bringing fresh investments into the Emirate and its investment in new ventures was hailed by the Ambassador.

Bin Shafar said: “Dubai is setting the pace for sustainable building as the only place in the world where all new developments are required to adopt green-building practices. The Government of Dubai as per the directives of HH Sheikh Mohamed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, ensures that real estate developers create the “highest international standards” of sustainability.”

Environment reservation is always a priority in Dubai where the trend for green living and energy conservation was truly being embraced by individuals and companies alike. HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid has prioritized sustainable development and this is where Empower is contributing.

Bin Shafar added: “We succeeded in building world class district cooling infrastructure that is considered an ideal economic and environmental solution for residential and commercial units, offices and hotels. In Dubai, residential units are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of using district cooling system as an alternative to conventional AC systems, leading to energy saving and environment conservation, as well as lower operations and maintenance costs. This is in sharp contrast to lower awareness of its importance in other parts of the Middle East.”

The operational savings percentage in a residential unit compared with conventional AC technologies ranges between 40 and 45 per cent which goes with the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015 which places major emphasis on the prudent use of resources to build a solid foundation forming a fertile environment for sustained growth.

Empower CEO and US General Consul discuss bilateral business relations

Empower CEO and US General Consul discuss bilateral business relations

US delegation praises Dubai’s far-sighted vision

Dubai, UAE, 13th February 2010: Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO, Emirates Central Cooling Corporation (Empower) discussed ways to foster UAE-US business relations at a meeting with the newly appointed US Consul General Justin H. Siberell. Robert W. Dunn, Principal Commercial Officer, was also present at the meeting.
The meeting stressed the need for boosting cooperation and exchanging expertise between Empower and the US companies engaged in the energy sector in particular and industrial sector in general.

Bin Shafar, the head of the largest district cooling service provider in the region, said the UAE is one of the “Top places To Do Business” in the world and US businesses are actively taking part in the economic boom of the UAE on all fronts.
The American delegation praised the liberal business climate in the emirate of Dubai in particular and the UAE in general. Siberell described the emirate as an IT, tourism, trade and education hub for the entire region, thanks to the far-sighted vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

The delegation agreed that Dubai was a success story with world-class infrastructure that includes ports, airports, roads and urban amenities. Bin Shafar said that the flood of foreign and domestic investment, efficient government spending and highly developed infrastructure have earned the Emirate economic competitiveness in the global market.

Bin Shafar added: “The UAE, the largest US trading partner in the Middle East, managed to transform its economy from a conventional, labor-intensive economy to one based on knowledge, technology and skilled labor and this is where companies like Empower fit it.”

“Empower has succeeded in building world class district cooling infrastructure that is considered an ideal economic and environmental solution for residential and commercial units, offices and hotels in the UAE. I am pleased to share with you that residential units are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of using district cooling system as an alternative to conventional AC systems, leading to energy saving and environment conservation.”

The Dubai based company tops the list of companies providing district cooling services in the region. It adopts a clear strategy to preserve environment through aggressively disseminating this technology and conducting campaigns to highlight its strategic value in the short and long run to the people and the society in general.

The meeting sought not only to promote US exports to the UAE, which is the Middle East’s booming trade hub, but also aimed to attract investment to the US from the UAE and strengthen two-way trade.

Among the most promising prospects for US Exports to the Middle East, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce, is in the area of Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Equipment, leading greater significance to the meeting between the US Consulate and Empower.

Empower debuts sub-metering facility at Business Bay Executive Towers

Allowing end-users to control consumption of district cooling service

Empower debuts sub-metering facility at Business Bay Executive Towers

Dubai: 15 November, 2009- In a pioneering move, Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) will be offering sub-metering facility that allows end users of district cooling to control consumption.

Empower announced this as it began customer registration in Business Bay Executive Towers (BBET), the company’s second project after Jumeirah Beach Residence. The registration is taking place at the Dubai Properties Sales Center located in BBET.

Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower said: “We are delighted to start providing BBET customers the subscription to district cooling services. We expect 2300 customers to register. These customers will all benefit from the 45,000 refrigeration tonne (RT) district cooling plant. The Business Bay project further consolidates our position as the largest district cooling company in the region.”

All owners of the BBET have to register with Empower to be able to get their apartment keys. Upon registration, they will get all information about district cooling service, charges and the billing process. The registration is for commercial users as well. Customers will be able to control their expenses through Empower's district cooling system.

Customers will be able to control metering consumption by setting the thermostat on 25 in unoccupied areas, and 22 – 23 in occupied areas.

Empower, a joint venture between TECOM Investments and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), provides energy-efficient district cooling services to large-scale real estate developments. It currently provides 250,000 refrigeration tonnes (RT) to a wide array of projects in Dubai, including Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence and City Of Arabia, in addition to Business Bay.

Residential and commercial end-users in Dubai have begun appreciating the importance of District cooling systems (DCS) in achieving economies of scale by using centralised plants instead of individual cooling units in each building. The centralised system results in reduced capital and operating costs, thus reducing air-conditioning set-up and energy costs per building.

A month ago, Empower completed the commissioning of the world class plant which will serve the project through off-site district cooling systems to save up to 35 per cent energy consumption.

Empower commissions Business Bay Executive Towers District Cooling Plant

Empower commissions Business Bay Executive Towers District Cooling Plant

World class plant geared up to supply chilled water to Business Bay and surrounding developments

Dubai: 6th October, 2009 – Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) today announced that it has commissioned the 45,000 refrigeration tonne (RT) district cooling plant for the Business Bay Executive Towers (BBET), a mixed use community development within Business Bay. The world class plant started supplying chilled water to the area since 7th June 2009

Ahmed Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said: “Business Bay Executive Towers is expected to be one of the busiest and dynamic business spots of Dubai. International quality standards were adopted in commissioning this significant plant. The plant will supply not only the 11 towers of this development, but also other developments at the Business Bay at phase one and two project serving through a 6 – 7 Km long network.”

“As district cooling is beginning to gain wider recognition in the region, we are optimistic about our growth prospects. The Business Bay project further consolidates our position as the largest district cooling companies in the region,” said Bin Shafar.

Empower, a joint venture between TECOM Investments and Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), provides energy-efficient district cooling services to large-scale real estate developments. It currently, provides 250,000 refrigeration tonnes (RT) to a wide array of projects in
Dubai, including Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai Healthcare City, Jumeirah Beach Residence and City Of Arabia, in addition to Business Bay.

Bin Shafar added: “District cooling systems (DCS) achieves economies of scale by using centralised plants instead of individual cooling units in each building. The centralised system results in reduced capital and operating costs, thus reducing air-conditioning set-up and energy costs per building.”

Bin Shafar added: “Commissioning is vital to ensure a seamless implementation of the project until the completion phase. It is a matter of pride that this project will be completed in time and within budget and this where commissioning fits in.”

Bin Shafar added: “Effective commissioning was essential to provide clarity to the required jobs and exactly what everyone needs to do. The commissioning process was well defined and simple for everyone involved.
We kept up to date records of the progress, which helps the contractors focus on issues that need attention.”

Comprising 11 towers including 9 residential towers, a commercial development, and the Business Bay Hotel, The Executive Towers is the first phase that has been launched in the multi-billion dollar Business Bay development. Empower has finished the commissioning of the world class plant which will serve the project through the off-site district cooling systems to save up to 35 per cent energy consumption.