In July 2025, a landmark multi‑university study published in *Process Safety and Environmental Protection* revealed that a hybrid gas‑turbine power plant can cut CO₂ emissions by 27 %. The research, co‑authored by a team from the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), demonstrates a practical pathway for the UAE’s energy sector to meet climate targets while improving efficiency and reducing operating costs.
Understanding the Current Gas‑Turbine Landscape
Gas‑turbine plants generate nearly half of the world’s electricity, yet they contribute about 15 % of all energy‑related CO₂ emissions. Traditional waste‑heat recovery systems have limited impact, often capturing only a fraction of the heat that could be repurposed. The new study introduces a multi‑stage heat‑recovery strategy that transforms the conventional plant into a versatile, low‑emission power hub.
Key Components of the Hybrid Design
- Rankine Cycle – Converts exhaust heat into additional electricity, boosting overall plant output.
- Absorption Chiller – Uses waste heat to provide cooling, reducing the need for separate chillers.
- Thermoelectric Generator (TEG) – Captures condenser heat loss, generating small amounts of power that can offset auxiliary loads.
- Reverse‑Osmosis Desalination – Powers seawater desalination with surplus electricity, producing fresh water and reducing the plant’s water footprint.
- PEM Electrolyzer – Produces hydrogen from captured water, creating a renewable energy carrier that can be stored or used in fuel cells.
Economic Viability: 18 % Cost Reduction and 1.2‑Year Payback
Beyond environmental benefits, the hybrid plant delivers a significant operating‑cost advantage. The study’s techno‑economic model shows an 18 % drop in hourly operating costs compared to a conventional gas‑turbine plant. With a payback period of just 1.2 years, the retrofit is financially compelling for utilities and industrial operators alike.
Why the Numbers Matter for the UAE
The United Arab Emirates aims to diversify its energy mix and reduce carbon intensity. A 27 % CO₂ reduction aligns with the UAE’s National Climate Strategy and the Vision 2021 goals. By adopting the hybrid design, power producers can meet regulatory targets while maintaining profitability.
AURAK’s Role in Advancing Sustainable Energy
Dr. Uday Kumar Nutakki, Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering and Chief Sustainability Officer at AURAK, led the integration of the reverse‑osmosis subsystem. The university’s research culture emphasizes practical solutions that can be scaled in real‑world settings. AURAK’s involvement showcases the institution’s commitment to cutting‑edge sustainability research and its impact on the regional energy landscape.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration Across Borders
The study brought together experts from China, Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and Iraq. Each partner contributed a specialized module—AI‑based optimization, Rankine‑cycle modeling, electrolyzer design, and absorption‑chiller development—before merging them into a single, validated framework. This collaborative model demonstrates how AURAK’s students and faculty can engage in global research networks that produce tangible outcomes.
Implications for Students and Professionals
For engineering students, the hybrid plant offers a real‑world case study that blends thermodynamics, process engineering, and renewable energy technologies. Professionals in the power sector can use the study’s methodology to assess retrofit options for existing plants.
Career Opportunities in Sustainable Energy
- Process Engineer – Design and optimize hybrid power systems.
- Energy Analyst – Evaluate economic and environmental impacts of retrofits.
- Project Manager – Lead cross‑disciplinary teams for large‑scale implementations.
- Research Scientist – Develop next‑generation heat‑recovery technologies.
How to Engage with AURAK’s Programs
AURAK offers undergraduate and graduate programs that prepare students for careers in sustainable engineering, energy management, and environmental policy. The university’s School of Engineering and Computing provides hands‑on labs, industry internships, and research projects that mirror the challenges addressed in the hybrid plant study.
Explore AURAK’s Engineering Programs
Whether you’re interested in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical & Electronics Engineering, AURAK’s curriculum integrates sustainability principles into core courses. Students gain experience with real‑time data analytics, AI‑driven optimization, and renewable energy systems.
Next Steps for Prospective Students and Industry Partners
To capitalize on the momentum generated by this study, stakeholders can take the following actions:
- Submit your application today to join AURAK’s next cohort of engineering students.
- Schedule a free consultation with our admissions team to discuss how AURAK’s programs align with your career goals.
- Join our upcoming webinar on sustainable energy solutions and learn how hybrid plants can transform the UAE’s power sector.
- Contact us for more information on research collaborations and internship opportunities.
- Explore AURAK’s graduate programs in Sustainable and Renewable Energy to deepen your expertise.
Conclusion
The 27 % CO₂ reduction achieved by the hybrid gas‑turbine plant is more than a scientific milestone; it is a blueprint for the UAE’s transition to cleaner, more efficient power generation. AURAK’s contribution to this breakthrough underscores the university’s role as a leader in sustainable engineering research and education. By enrolling in AURAK’s programs, students and professionals can become part of the solution that drives the region toward a greener future.
