Empower keeps The Lagoons cool

Sama Dubai, the international real estate arm of Dubai Holding, signed an agreement last week with Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) to provide cooling services to The Lagoons, a 6.5 million m2 Dubai Creek waterfront project.

"The agreement is an important step to ensure the efficient use of energy resources at The Lagoons," said Farhan Faraidooni, executive chairman of Sama Dubai. "By implementing a district cooling system, The Lagoons will eliminate the use of ozone-depleting refrigerants, increase building efficiency and reduce demand on local power utilities by up to 30%."

The 25-year agreement allows Empower to install eight district cooling stations with a capacity of about 300,000 refrigerated tonnes. The Lagoons project will feature seven landscaped islands that include shopping centres, office buildings, residential units and marinas.

Faraidooni said that Empower's track record in delivering reliable and environmentally-friendly district cooling services made it a perfect AC provider for The Lagoons.

Ahmad bin Shafar, CEO of Empower said the idea of district cooling is catching on in Dubai because it helps to significantly reduce the level of carbon dioxide emissions caused by cooling equipment.

"Empower's district cooling technology at The Lagoons will translate into reduced capital and operating costs," Shafar said. "Residents will benefit from improved air quality, increased cooling capacity and cost savings resulting from lower electricity consumption and reduced maintenance."