Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world's biggest district cooling services provider, has gained two Gold Awards in the 12th edition of the Annual Golden Bridge Business and Innovation Awards 2020. The winners were presented their awards in a virtual awards ceremony held on 10th December.

Empower was acknowledged as the Gold Winner for Company of the Year in the Energy and Utilities category for its remarkable accomplishments in 2019 including the practical innovations in developing district cooling industry in the world and raising the standards of sustainability in the sector.
Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower was honored with Gold Winner Award for Executive Achievement of the Year in the Energy & Utilities category, in appreciation of his pioneering contribution in encouraging the region to adopt district cooling concepts and his prominent role in leading Empower to become the world's biggest district cooling services provider.

Bin Shafar was named as the 2018 IDEA Global Leader, in appreciation of his efforts for the enhancement of district cooling sector and his support towards international strives for a better environment. In 2017, he was also appointed by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) as a special advisor on district cooling for its global 'District Energy in Cities Initiative'.

On this event, Ahmad bin Shafar said: The winning of these two Golden Bridge Awards is an encouragement for our work teams to move forward in making a qualitative difference. It is also an international acknowledgement for Empower's determinations in transforming the space cooling industry globally, and an encouragement for decision-makers to adopt district cooling solutions and apply integrated green practices.
Bin Shafar explained that Empower is pioneering in the District Cooling sector locally and internationally. Companys efforts and the leading role in the industry also led to the crowning of Dubai as the Champion City for district cooling internationally, on the side-lines of the 8th International District Energy Association (IDEA) Annual Conference held in December, 2018.

Empower has received many international awards as a reflection of its determination, leadership and its capability to innovate solutions and technologies in the district cooling industry. The worlds first unmanned and fully automated district cooling plant was established by Empower in JVC Dubai.
Empower is a partner of United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and plays a vital role in UN-lead global initiatives, Cool Coalition and District Energy in Cities. Empower is also a member of international bodies of district energy and HVAC industries such as ASHRAE and IDEA (International District Energy Association).

Bin Shafar added that the companys success in attaining huge savings in terms of energy and protection of natural resources, is the fruit of its ongoing obligation to contribute in building a sustainable future based on a diversified economy and zero carbon emissions. Empower has saved a total of 1,224MW electricity worth AED 3.2 Billion as of the end of 2019. Companys total district cooling networks crossed 320 kilometers and has awarded contracts to various companies with a total value of AED1.13 billion in 2019.