Cordia has started construction on Energy Center Phoenix (ECP) Plant 4, a new carbon-free chilled water facility that will expand the capacity of its district energy network in downtown Phoenix. The plant is located at 709 N. 6th Street and represents a planned investment of $75 million. When complete, Plant 4 is expected to add 10,200 tons of chilled water capacity to Cordia’s existing system. The facility is scheduled to be fully operational by Summer 2027 and will be powered entirely by carbon-free electricity supplied through a partnership with Arizona Public Service.
Cordia currently operates a downtown Phoenix district energy system that supplies cooling to more than 44 buildings, including major venues such as Chase Field and the Phoenix Convention Center. The existing network uses three plants, 16 chillers, and approximately four miles of underground piping to deliver chilled water to its customers. With a combined capacity of 27,500 tons, the system relies on electric chillers and ice storage to optimize efficiency and manage cooling loads.
According to Cordia, demand on the downtown chilled water network has been approaching its capacity limits, prompting the decision to move forward with the Plant 4 expansion. The new facility is intended to provide additional headroom for future growth while helping ensure that existing and new customers continue to receive reliable and sustainable cooling service over the long term. The added capacity is expected to support a range of downtown users that depend on district cooling for building operations and visitor comfort.
Plant 4 is planned with a suite of infrastructure designed to integrate into the broader system. The facility will feature six 1,700-ton chillers, new cooling towers, interior and exterior electrical systems, a mezzanine level, and a dedicated control room. These components are intended to enable Cordia to monitor and manage the expanded network, align cooling output with customer demand, and maintain service continuity as downtown Phoenix continues to evolve.
By expanding its chilled water production with a carbon-free power source, Cordia’s Plant 4 is positioned as both a capacity upgrade and a step toward lower-emission building operations for customers connected to the downtown network. The project underscores the role of district energy infrastructure in supporting high-density urban districts, large event venues, and public facilities that require dependable cooling throughout the year.
