Construction crews have broken ground at Dubai Science Park, where Empower has moved from planning to active work on a new district cooling plant. Earthworks and foundation work are now underway, with the project officially kicking off in October 2026. This follows the recent contract award, as detailed in regional business reports.
The plant is set to deliver 47,000 refrigeration tons (RT) of cooling. That capacity will serve about 80 multi-use buildings in Dubai Science Park, one of the city's busiest innovation hubs. This project is separate from Empower's earlier plant in Dubai Production City, which already operates in a different part of town, according to Gulf Construction. The new Science Park facility fits into Empower's push to meet rising demand for sustainable cooling in Dubai's key growth zones. It also lines up with the city's Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the UAE Vision 2031, both of which call for greener, more efficient infrastructure.
Emirates News Agency (WAM) has linked Empower's expansion to Dubai's rapid urban growth and the government's drive for smart infrastructure. Empower signed the design contract for the new station in August 2025. Initial construction was first planned for late Q1 2026, as Mubasher reported. The timeline shows how quickly Empower is moving to match market needs and keep up with rules set by Dubai authorities.
Advanced technology and sustainability at the core
The new plant will use thermal energy storage, treated wastewater for cooling, and AI-powered digital management. These upgrades are meant to cut peak cooling demand, save fresh water, and boost efficiency. Empower has talked up the environmental benefits, pointing to lower resource use and emissions. Still, as Al Khaleej notes, there are no independent published numbers yet on exactly how much water or emissions will be saved.
Empower trades publicly on the Dubai Financial Market and sees this project as a key part of its growth plan. CEO Ahmed bin Shafar has called for strong, future-ready infrastructure to back Dubai Science Park's role in science, tech, and research. The company's focus on energy efficiency and sustainable city growth follows the lead of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment.
Supporting Dubai's growth and future demand
The Science Park plant is central to Empower's effort to expand its network into fast-growing areas, making sure Dubai has scalable, sustainable infrastructure as the city changes. This approach matches Dubai's wider push for smart, resource-efficient urban growth, as seen in Dubai Media Office updates.
Dubai's infrastructure and logistics have come under pressure as the city's population and economy keep climbing. Local authorities have rolled out new policies and emergency steps to keep services running, according to The National and Bloomberg. Empower's investment in advanced district cooling shows how Dubai's top service providers are adapting to the demands of a city that keeps growing, aiming to stay competitive and protect the environment at the same time.
By putting sustainability and digital innovation at the center of its projects, Empower is betting on its role as a key player in Dubai's next growth phase. The company's investments in new technology and infrastructure will shape how district cooling and urban services develop as the emirate keeps moving forward.
