On 26 November 2017, the opening day of Sustainability Summit 2017, at Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Doha-Qatar, Gulf Organisation for Research and Development (GORD) signed a memorandum of understanding with Qatar Development Bank (QDB) to develop a feasibility study for manufacturing of QCOOL in Qatar. The MoU was signed by Dr. Yousef (Founding Chairman GORD) and Mr. Ibrahim Abdulaziz Al-Mannal (Acting Executive Director Advisory Services QDB).

Under the MoU, QDB and GORD will jointly conduct a feasibility study for manufacturing of QCOOL in Qatar. The study will include the following:

1. Confirming the market position, identifying export markets and assessment of strategic options
2. Technical assessment including description of the manufacturing process and licensing requirements
3. Financial assessment and business plan including marketing strategy, KPIs and project timeline.

Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Yousef Alhorr (Founding Chairman GORD) commented:

The battle against pollution, resource depletion and carbon emissions is being fought on many global fronts. GORD is proud of having developed QCOOL which is the first Qatari patent smart air conditioning system. We appreciate and thank QDB for this collaboration and look forward to taking this breakthrough invention to the next level to achieve our sustainability targets in line with Qatar vision 2030.

QCOOL is an innovative smart patented air conditioning system developed by GORD. It is a fully integrated and controlled ventilating and air conditioning system that provides superefficient, cost-effective, and sustainable fresh air cooling for open or enclosed spaces in moderate, hot or humid climates. Based on the application, QCOOL consists of a single or multi stages that can dehumidify and cool the air to the required comfort level. The system utilizes recycled water and absorbent materials which is extracted from rejected desalination brine. The environmentally friendly desiccant, GORD@DES, has a high affinity for water and capable of absorbing water vapour from their immediate vicinity.

The case study unit is installed and tested at GORD’s Technohub located in Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP). During the tested period, the system has shown up to 50% reduction in energy consumption compared to conventional systems. QCOOL is an energy efficient cooling system that can shrink clients’ carbon footprints in a cost-effective manner.