Empower wins two gold awards at the International District Energy Association Conference and Exhibition (IDEA 2026) in Canada.
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation PJSC (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, has won two Gold Awards in the categories of “Total Number of Buildings Committed” and “Total Building Area Committed” for district cooling services outside North America, at the International District Energy Association (IDEA) Conference and Exhibition 2026, held in Ottawa, Canada. Recognized as the world’s largest event dedicated to the district energy sector, the IDEA Conference brought together delegations, industry experts, and specialists from around the globe.
This achievement reinforces Empower’s position as a global leader in the district cooling industry and underscores its success in developing and operating sustainable, high-efficiency district cooling systems. It also strengthens the global standing of Dubai and the UAE as benchmarks for the adoption of innovative and sustainable solutions that reduce energy consumption and lower carbon emissions.
IDEA stated that Empower’s winning of the two awards is well deserved, recognizing the company’s continued leadership and outstanding performance in the district cooling sector. This marks the twelfth time Empower has won both awards, having previously received them in 2005, 2007, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. Since its establishment, Empower has also secured more than 20 IDEA awards across various categories, in addition to numerous accolades at leading international conferences and industry forums.
“Receiving these two global awards for the twelfth time marks another significant milestone in Empower’s distinguished track record and reinforces the leadership position the company has established in the global district cooling sector. This recognition reflects the industry’s confidence in our business model, operational excellence, and ability to deliver sustainable and innovative cooling solutions that meet the highest international standards while supporting Dubai’s rapid urban development,” said H.E. Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower.
“We are proud that this achievement has been recognised by IDEA, the leading global authority in the district energy sector. This recognition further strengthens our commitment to continuous innovation, investment in advanced technologies, enhancing energy efficiency, and reducing carbon emissions, in line with the vision of our wise leadership and the UAE’s ambitions to achieve net zero,” he added.
Bin Shafar also emphasised that the award reflects Empower’s unwavering commitment to delivering added value to its customers and partners through reliable, high-efficiency district cooling services. He added that the company will continue to advance its expansion plans, strengthen its infrastructure, and enhance its operational readiness to meet the growing demand for district cooling across Dubai. These efforts, he noted, will further reinforce Empower’s position as the world’s largest district cooling services provider while supporting Dubai’s status as a leading global city in the adoption of smart and sustainable urban solutions.
Background Information
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower)
Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (EMPOWER) was established in 2003 with an objective to enable the real estate sector to efficiently utilize energy resources through District Cooling Services (DCS). Empower was set up as a joint venture between Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and TECOM Investments a member of Dubai Holding through a Royal Decree issued by the Ruler of Dubai.