Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world’s largest provider of district cooling services, announced that it has signed an agreement with wasl Asset Management Group, one of the largest real estate development and management companies in Dubai, to supply its mixed-use development wasl1, with 24,373 Refrigeration Tons.
Currently being carried out on several phases, the project is located in proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jafiliya Metro Station with views on Zabeel Park. wasl1 will feature 13 residential towers, of which the first phase — Park Gate Residences — comprises four towers consisting of 746 residential units that have been completed and handed over. wasl1 will also include a range of entertainment facilities, children’s play areas, fully equipped gymnasiums, a multi-purpose hall, as well as a number of retail stores, restaurants and cafes.
In his comments, HE Hesham Al Qassim, CEO of wasl Asset Management Group, said: “We chose Empower, based on its tremendous capabilities in providing district cooling services, and we believe that its efficacy will contribute to strengthening the distinctive wasl1 project. The company’s advanced technologies support our mandate to contribute to the sustainable development of the emirate, while also ensuring the provision of the best cooling services to tenants, effectively enhancing the unique characteristics of wasl1 as a luxury residential project.”
According to Empower, providing a project of such magnitude with green district cooling services has prompted the corporation to direct 170 million AED investments to finance the construction of seven energy transmission and storage stations (ETS), and to connect the project to the new district cooling plant that is currently underway in the Zabeel area. This would require the building of a subway under Sheikh Zayed Road in addition to the expansion of the district cooling network.
The corporation has also indicated that the wasl1 project will be provided with district cooling services on a number of phases. By mid-2021, the first phase is expected to be completed and the project is to be provided with 3351 tons and up to the total capacity of 24,373 refrigeration tons (equivalent to half of the production of the new Zabeel plant). Subsequently, the district cooling plant in the Dubai Financial Center, which is currently operating, will be connected to the new Zabeel plant, that is under construction with a total load of 112,000 refrigeration tons. This comes in the framework of a proactive plan set by the corporation to meet the needs of the existing as well as the upcoming mega development projects launched in this vital area of Dubai.
“We are working hard to serve the pioneering real estate projects and we aim to provide all residential, commercial and entertainment facilities and sectors in the emirate of Dubai with district cooling services of sustainable international standards. This emphasizes the pioneering role Dubai plays with regards to reducing carbon emissions, which comes in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, “may God protect him”, Ahmed Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, said.
Bin Shafar pointed out that adding the wasl1 project to Empower’s portfolio reflects the confidence of real estate developers and dealers in the reliable services Empower provides. It also enhances its role in providing more quality cooling services with 50% less energy consumption compared to the currently used traditional refrigeration services.