Empower adds Bluewaters Project to its Dubai portfolio with an investment of AED 125 million

Empower adds Bluewaters Project to its Dubai portfolio with an investment of AED 125 million

Developed by Meraas Holding, the project will incorporate a world-class distribution network

Dubai, UAE, 26 October 2015: Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower) has won a strategic contract with Bluewaters LLC, the subsidiary of the master developer Meraas Holding, to provide the Bluewaters flagship project in Dubai with 25,000 refrigeration tons (RT) of district cooling services. This significant project will be added to the portfolio of real estate developments Empower serves in Dubai.

The Master Developer Agreement was signed by HE Ahmad Bin Shafar, the CEO of Empower, and Mr. Abdulla Al Habbai, Group Chairman of Meraas Holding.

The contract, valued at AED 125 million, will kick off by end of this year, while the service will commence from the third quarter of 2016. The agreement covers residential, retail and commercial buildings and hotels in this ambitious project.

“We are steadily expanding to new projects and developments in Dubai,” said HE Ahmad Bin Shafar during the signing ceremony. “We are proud to be the first choice for pioneering developers in Dubai, which reflects the confidence of stakeholders and customers in our services and the optimal investment strategy we adopt in our operations.”

“We will support Bluewaters’ superior services with upscale district cooling operations. We have proven expertise in responding to the requirements of Dubai's leading and landmark projects, and coping with rapid expansion in the emirate. We always monitor emerging real estate facilities, to meet new and challenging requirements. We value the confidence Meraas Holding has in our services, and assure that we will deliver on schedule and along the highest international standards,” added Bin Shafar.

Facing Jumeirah Beach Residence, the estimated cost of Bluewaters Island is AED 6 billion (USD 1.6 billion). The project will feature the world’s largest Ferris Wheel that started to be built last June, as well as residential, retail, hospitality, teleferique and entertainment areas.

 “The Bluewaters’ district cooling infrastructure to be developed by Empower will follow environmentally friendly standards, to provide the best energy efficiency and water consumption levels. At a later stage, we plan to link it to our advanced measurement system. Selecting district cooling over traditional cooling methods is a long-term investment that saves the consumer maintenance costs and ensures service availability around the clock,” said Bin Shafar.

“Setting up a solid district cooling infrastructure is essential, especially with increasing client base from residential, and commercial projects as well as hotels,” concluded Bin Shafar.

Empower operates more than 1 Million Refrigeration Tons (RT), providing environmentally friendly district cooling services to large-scale real estate developments, such as Jumeirah Group, Business Bay, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai International Financial Centre, Palm Jumeirah,  Jumeirah Lake Towers, Ibn Battuta Mall, Discovery Gardens, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai World Trade Centre Residences and Dubai Design District, amongst others.

The first ultra-supercritical power plant in the Middle East

Alstom selected as preferred bidder for DEWA’s Hassyan clean coal power plant project in Dubai

Alstom has been selected by the Consortium of Harbin Electricity International and ACWA Power ( who have been announced as the Preferred Bidder)  as the lead EPC contractor, in consortium with Harbin Electricity International to build in Dubai the first ultra-supercritical (USC) coal power plant in the Middle East. Subject to the financing closure of the project by the development consortium composed of ACWA Power and Harbin Electric International, the plant will start commercial operation by March 2021 with a net output of 1.200 MW, representing a 12.5% boost of the Dubai current grid capacity.

The plant will be fitted with Alstom’s market-leading ultra-supercritical technology (boiler and steam turbine generator), and will have full dual fuel capability, able to fire sub-bituminous coal as well as natural gas as back-up fuel. It will also include advanced environmental control systems such as electrostatic precipitators (ESP) and seawater flue gas desulphurisation (SWFGD) systems. These will enable to achieve NOx, SOx and particulate emission levels that are twice below the European guidelines, making it one of the cleanest coal-fired power plants available. Additionally, the plant will be CO2-capture ready and shall comply with the most stringent grid code requirements from Dubai.

“We are delighted to have been selected as part of the EPC Consortium for this major project which demonstrates the strength of the company’s technical capabilities and capacity to offer high plant efficiency at low flue gas emissions.” said Andreas Lusch, Senior Vice-President of Alstom’s Steam Business. ”Alstom’s competencies in Engineering Procurement and Construction as well as the project team’s expertise will ensure the project is managed in an exemplary manner. We are eager to continue supporting Dubai to grow and diversify its power generation infrastructure.”

Alstom’s ultra-supercritical technology enables the power plant to run at a higher steam temperature and pressure than regular coal-fired plants in order to improve the plant efficiency and to decrease stack-emissions, particularly CO2 per unit of fuel burned. The power plant will produce sufficient electricity to power nearly 250’000 households in Dubai.

Alstom’s steam turbine technology is already generating power, including steam extraction for desalination, at DEWA’s Jebel Ali power station. DEWA is also making use of Alstom technology for energy management systems, including high-voltage substations and the first smart grid center in the Middle East. In addition, Alstom has already been supporting for the past 35 years the protection of the environment in Dubai with its gas & fume treatment technologies for dust removal and capture of acid gases, as implemented into the aluminium smelter of the Emirate.

About Alstom

Alstom is a global leader in the world of power generation, power transmission and rail infrastructure and sets the benchmark for innovative and environmentally friendly technologies. Alstom builds the fastest train and the highest capacity automated metro in the world, provides turnkey integrated power plant solutions and associated services for a wide variety of energy sources, including hydro, nuclear, gas, coal and wind, and it offers a wide range of solutions for power transmission, with a focus on smart grids. The Group employs 88,000 people in around 100 countries.

Abu Dhabi headquartered developer Bloom Properties selects Asteco to manage sales demand for high-end Stella Maris Tower community in heart of popular marina district

Asteco named exclusive sales agent for luxury Dubai Marina project

Abu Dhabi headquartered developer Bloom Properties selects Asteco to manage sales demand for high-end Stella Maris Tower community in heart of popular marina district  

Asteco, one of the region’s leading real estate consultancy and property management firms, has been appointed as the exclusive sales agent for the Stella Maris Tower in the popular Dubai Marina district.

Under development by Abu Dhabi based developer Bloom Properties, the luxury 52-storey residential tower will feature 313, one, two and three-bedroom apartments plus a select number of four-bed duplexes, townhouses and penthouses, with a scheduled completion date of end 2018.

The tower is located at the southern end of Dubai Marina with views of the upcoming leisure destination known as Bluewaters Island, which will be home to the world’s largest ferris wheel, the 201-metre high Dubai Eye.

Overlooking the Dubai Marina skyline and Arabian Gulf, facilities at the ultra-exclusive Stella Maris Tower will include 24/7 concierge services, a private clubhouse, swimming pools, world class spa, visitors parking, gymnasium, running track, lounge area,  and indoor and outdoor play areas for children.

“With groundbreaking projects in frontier markets such as Iraq and Algeria, the Dubai Marina project will put Bloom Properties firmly on the Dubai real estate map, with a community-centric development that epitomises the marina lifestyle,” said Sean McCauley, Director – Agency, Asteco Property Management.

“Units at the Stella Maris Tower are available on a three-year payment plan, which, combined with the highly desirable location, underscores an attractive pricing structure for investors to add to their current property portfolio or as a more manageable step onto the Dubai real estate ladder” he added.

“We identified Asteco as a trusted partner and market leader. The Stella Maris Tower is a landmark development for Bloom Properties, and an integral addition to our expanding global portfolio,” said Sameh Muhtadi, CEO Bloom Properties.

Prices for the apartments start from AED 1.2 million for a one-bedroom unit, AED 2.1 Million for two bedrooms and AED 3.8 million for a three-bedroom home, which range in size respectively from 700 to 2400 square feet.

The 12 four-bedroom duplexes start at AED 5.1 Million and offer expansive living and entertainment areas along with views of Bluewaters Island, Sheikh Zayed Road and Dubai Marina. A limited number of six townhouses starting at AED 4.8 million of 3130 square feet and two penthouse units.

Bloom Holding, a subsidiary of National Holding, is dedicated to developing sustainable and integrated communities. The Group is driven by its vision to go beyond the buyer and investors’ expectations through superior design and partnerships with best in class providers in education, hospitality, health care and property services, to meet the aspirations of new urban communities in their demand for a better lifestyle and quality of life. Bloom Holding has an established and growing portfolio of projects within the UAE, the MENA region, Europe and the United States

Asteco, a major regional and international real estate services firm and the largest property services company in the United Arab Emirates, was founded in Dubai in 1985.  Asteco offers independent market analysis, design development consultancy and valuation services, sales and leasing services, as well as asset and property management services.

TECOM GROUP’S DUBIOTECH AND ENPARK JOIN TO FORM DUBAI SCIENCE PARK

TECOM GROUP’S DUBIOTECH AND ENPARK JOIN TO FORM DUBAI SCIENCE PARK

Dubai Science Park will represent Dubai’s dedicated destination and platform for members of the Life Sciences, New Energy and Environment communities.

Dubai, UAE: As part of TECOM Group’s commitment to driving innovation in Science, the company has announced that “Dubai Biotechnology & Research Park” (DuBiotech) and the “Energy and Environment Park (EnPark)” will operate under a joint umbrella to be known as “Dubai Science Park” (DSP). This development is a reflection of TECOM Group’s overall strategy to operate and develop innovative communities, aimed at enabling business success.

The newly formed Life Science, New Energy and Environment business community, Dubai Science Park (DSP) is the realisation of a continued commitment to respond to the evolving needs of the industry, allowing for increased collaboration and innovation.

Dubai Science Park will continue to support both SMEs and global firms looking for a regional base for their Middle East operations, by facilitating a bespoke yet vibrant community. It will create a holistic environment for organisations across the life sciences and energy industries, by continuing to offer flexible, bespoke products and services for every facet of the science sector.

 

The new identity, Dubai Science Park, is a step towards the ambition to deliver Dubai’s innovation strategy and diversify the economy through the development of the life science, energy and environment sectors. 

 

DuBiotech was established in 2005 to support the Government of Dubai’s vision to transform the Emirate into a knowledge-based economy and develop the region’s life science sector, and its talent pool. Since its launch, DuBiotech has grown into a thriving community of over 230 business partners including global industry players Pfizer, Amgen, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Maquet, Firmenich and IFF.  Its sister park, EnPark, which was founded in 2007, has been widely recognised for its work in the field of sustainability and the development of environmental products and initiatives winning a number of high profile awards such as the “UAE Green Brand” in 2012. As a founding member of the Dubai Green Energy Partnership, EnPark has remained at the forefront of development in green energy, conservation and R&D.

 

The new brand has brought two promising markets together, life sciences and new energy & environment. Over the past 50 years, science innovation has contributed to the world through breakthroughs such as vaccines, telemedicine, and robotic surgery. For emerging markets looking to capture a segment of the life sciences market, medical technology and health informatics look to provide a promising avenue. In addition to this, the region is increasingly focused on alternative energy solutions. According to the Middle East Solar Industry Association (MESIA), in 2014, a record number of solar projects were awarded in the Middle East, a four-fold increase over the previous seven years combined. DSP will provide the perfect platform to foster greater collaboration, as well as helping build longer, richer relationships within the Science sectors.

 

Marwan Abdulaziz, Executive Director, Dubai Science Park said:

“DuBiotech and EnPark have been successful business communities for many years. However, as they have evolved, we have seen the opportunity to further drive growth and development and as such, we have combined the entities to achieve greater innovations and serve the wider business community. 

 

“The new brand, Dubai Science Park, in partnership with more than 280 business partners, is focused on achieving our vision of becoming the most innovative and vibrant science community in the Middle East - a place where employees and their families can work, live and flourish.”

 

To coincide with the launch of the new community, DSP commissioned a White Paper in collaboration with The Economist entitled ‘Innovation in Life Sciences: An emerging markets perspective’. The report provides insight into the importance of nurturing innovation in the field of science, examining common barriers to innovation, the role of government support in nurturing the industry and a look ahead at which facets of the science industry have the most growth potential. The research is focused on successful international strategies for innovation in the life science industry and concludes with recommendations that emerging markets, such as the UAE, can undertake to facilitate their own development.

 

The report will be launched at an event hosted by Dubai Science Park on 26^th October at the Armani Ballroom, Dubai.

Empower awarded contracts worth AED 59 million in the 3rd quarter of 2015

Empower awarded contracts worth AED 59 million in the 3^rd quarter of 2015 

Dubai, UAE, 7 October 2015: Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), the world’s largest district cooling services provider, awarded contracts valued at AED 59million in the 3^rd quarter of the year to boost District Cooling (DC) operations across Dubai.

According to HE Ahmad Bin Shafar, CEO of Empower, the contracts are part of significant expansion of the company’s operations, which currently occupy a share of 70% of the DC market in Dubai. “These contracts are among many we have signed so far since the beginning of the year. We are moving confidently for further growth in the UAE.”

“As a unique industry, there are tremendous opportunities for developing a wide range of sophisticated competencies in District Cooling; especially in the technical, customer service, and project management fields. These competencies will further boost the industry, thus increasing its reliability in meeting the growing needs for cooling services in Dubai,” said Bin Shafar.

“Operators in related industries to DC chose Empower based on the global trust and the world-class solutions we provide. We have been engaged on the global scale in high end advisory in different partsacross the world to help in establishing a sustainable DC infrastructure,” added Bin Shafar.

“DC proved to be the ideal alternative for conventional cooling systems, where there would be no maintenance or interruption in service on the end user. On the other hand, investors start to recognise the tangible benefits of DC on the medium and long run,” said Bin Shafar.

“We have long term contracts, some of which are designed to enhance our production for the coming 25 years or so. We understand the demand, and ready to meet the future needs that might be required in mega projects across the Emirate,” concluded Bin Shafar.

Empower currently operates more than 1 Million RT, providing environmentally responsible district cooling services to large-scale real estate developments such as Jumeirah Group, Business Bay, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai International Financial Centre, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Ibn Battuta Mall, Discovery Gardens, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai World trade Centre Residences, Dubai Design District, among others.