Driven by a commitment to environmental stewardship, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport (RAK Airport) is integrating state-of-the-art sustainable technology as part of a major expansion, supporting the Emirate’s rapid development.
The airport, a crucial gateway to Ras Al Khaimah’s burgeoning tourism and economic sectors, will be the first in the Middle East and the broader Asian continent to implement DYNAES’s innovative thermodynamic energy efficiency solutions as part of its terminal building extension.
Sustainability prioritized in airport development
In response to the increasing demand for air travel and the Emirate’s ambitious growth plans, Ras Al Khaimah Airport Authorities have prioritized sustainability and energy management throughout all phases of the airport’s development.
Recognizing that air conditioning systems represent one of the most significant energy costs in airport operations, the project’s consultants—ARTELIA Airport and STG Contracting—proposed the adoption of DYNAES technology, as recently presented at Dubai COP28, to the Civil Aviation Authorities.
Sheikh Salem bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of Department of Civil Aviation in Ras Al Khaimah and Chairman of the Board of the Airport, stated, “RAK Airport joined already 2023 the Retrofit Energy Program of the Municipality and now showcases even with new technologies how aged infrastructure can level the path for sustainability.”
Innovative thermodynamic system enhances efficiency
DYNAES’s patented system, developed in collaboration with leading institutions such as Mines Paris PSL, TÜV, and CNRS, consists of two components integrated before and after the condenser in thermodynamic systems. This groundbreaking technology optimizes the refrigerant and lubricating oil mixture, significantly enhancing thermal performance without increasing compressor power consumption or requiring additional electronic controls.
As Professor Assaad Zoughaib, Head of Research Laboratory at Mines Paris PSL, stated, “We consider the technology developed by Dyane’s as a major scientific breakthrough in the field of thermodynamics.”
The benefits of this system are both immediate and substantial, offering enhanced reliability, availability and maintainability (R.A.M.), along with significant energy savings, particularly under demanding conditions. It contributes to improved EBITDA with minimal capital expenditure and is widely applicable across various sectors, including climate control, data centers, commercial and industrial refrigeration, and refrigerated transportation.
Reducing emissions for environmental impact
Most importantly, DYNAES’s solution delivers a positive environmental impact by reducing CO₂ emissions. If deployed across the estimated 2.2 billion thermodynamic systems worldwide, this technology could achieve annual savings of up to 7 percent of global emissions—equivalent to the combined emissions of the internet and air traffic sectors.
The implementation at Ras Al Khaimah International Airport is supported by Airchal, a global leader in air handling solutions with over 60 years of expertise, and Takyeef Factory. With manufacturing sites in France and Abu Dhabi, this partnership ensures robust support for the introduction and development of DYNAES technology in the Middle East market.
Setting a new standard for sustainable airport operations
This strategic move underscores Ras Al Khaimah Aviation Authorities’ commitment to ecological leadership and innovative energy management. By adopting DYNAES’s advanced technology, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport sets a new benchmark for sustainable airport operations, reinforcing the Emirate’s position at the forefront of responsible development and environmental responsibility.
Moreover, Ras Al Khaimah International Airport has witnessed significant growth in air traffic and connectivity. Passenger traffic at RAK Airport saw a notable 28 percent increase last year, reflecting a growing demand for air travel to and from the emirate, a crucial factor for the local economy and tourism sector. The airport has been actively expanding its connectivity with new routes.
Recently, Air Arabia inaugurated a non-stop service from Ras Al Khaimah to Uzbekistan, and plans are underway for additional routes to cities in Kenya, Georgia, and other destinations. Furthermore, IndiGo, an Indian low-cost carrier, is set to launch flights between Mumbai and Ras Al Khaimah, further enhancing connectivity with the Indian subcontinent.
The ongoing developments at RAK Airport are expected to significantly boost the local economy by attracting more tourists and facilitating trade. The airport’s strategic initiatives align with Ras Al Khaimah’s broader goals of economic diversification and sustainable development, positioning it as a key player in the region’s aviation sector.
