Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) successfully retrofitted the region’s first-of-its-kind environment-friendly water treatment technology in its district cooling plant.

Illustrative image of the district cooling plant

This ‘cooling tower’ water treatment system controls scaling, corrosion and biological growth in water holistically, using ultra-low frequency (ULF) electromagnetic waves without chemicals. ULF treatment is electronic and fully controlled via microprocessors, therefore does not require any human intervention.

RAKEZ Group CEO, Ramy Jallad said, “For RAKEZ, pursuing sustainability through green initiatives is highly important and we are strong supporters of Ras Al Khaimah’s energy strategy. We work closely with the RAK Municipality and solution providers like ENGIE Solutions to protect, maintain and nurture our ecosystem by tapping into the latest innovations. The implementation of this unique water treatment solution in our plant is a step closer to achieving our green goals collectively.”

In addition to improving the quality of water, RAKEZ and ENGIE Solutions help save significant amounts of energy and water by retrofitting office buildings through a comprehensive Energy Performance Contract (EPC). During this partnership, the economic zone will save more than 25 gigawatt-hours of electricity over 5 years, with an impact on carbon emissions comparable to that of taking nearly 2,000 cars off the roads. Additionally, over 14 million gallons of water, enough to fill 25 Olympic-sized swimming pools, will be saved.

Alexander Alzamora, Business Unit Head - Energy Services, ENGIE Solutions GCC said: “Retrofitting represents an opportunity to deliver significant energy savings and carbon reduction over the long term, with the International Energy Agency estimating that building and construction sectors are responsible for over 30% of global final energy consumption and nearly 40% of total direct and indirect CO2 emissions. A green retrofit EPC includes improving the energy efficiency of lighting, air conditioning, ventilation, and other mechanical systems while increasing the quality of insulation.”

“Leveraging our global expertise and technology, RAKEZ will benefit from reduced energy consumption, guaranteed energy efficiency and performance KPIs, and a faster transition to zero carbon, reducing its environmental impact,” he added.

Among other green efforts, the economic zone is working with Ras Al Khaimah Municipality Department, other entities and service providers to support the industry’s sustainable retrofits across its facilities and factories.