+
Solar Desalination Transforms Middle East Water Security
POWER & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Solar Desalination Transforms Middle East Water Security

As water scarcity intensifies in the Middle East, solar-powered desalination is emerging as a sustainable solution to meet rising demand. Traditional desalination methods, reliant on energy-intensive cogeneration, consume about 50% of primary energy in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and significantly contribute to carbon emissions. 

Solar-powered desalination offers a cleaner, cost-effective alternative. Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, for example, is developing a fully solar-powered plant using Solar Dome technology, aiming to produce water at just $0.34 per cubic meter — far cheaper than conventional reverse osmosis. Similarly, solar-driven reverse osmosis can cut energy use by up to 75%. 

With global water demand projected to increase by 55% by 2050, Middle Eastern nations are accelerating renewable-powered water initiatives. Dubai is set to launch the world’s largest solar-powered desalination plant next year, producing 818,000 cubic meters of potable water daily with an $875 million investment. In Oman, TotalEnergies and Veolia plan a solar photovoltaic system for the Sharqiyah plant, serving 600,000 people. 

Despite challenges like high initial costs and the need for advanced storage systems, solar desalination is gaining traction. The Al Khafji plant in Saudi Arabia, commissioned in 2017, already produces 60,000 cubic meters of water daily. Public-private partnerships and technological innovations in AI and battery storage are further driving this shift, making solar desalination essential for sustainable water security in the region. 

(Mercom)       

As water scarcity intensifies in the Middle East, solar-powered desalination is emerging as a sustainable solution to meet rising demand. Traditional desalination methods, reliant on energy-intensive cogeneration, consume about 50% of primary energy in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and significantly contribute to carbon emissions. Solar-powered desalination offers a cleaner, cost-effective alternative. Saudi Arabia’s NEOM project, for example, is developing a fully solar-powered plant using Solar Dome technology, aiming to produce water at just $0.34 per cubic meter — far cheaper than conventional reverse osmosis. Similarly, solar-driven reverse osmosis can cut energy use by up to 75%. With global water demand projected to increase by 55% by 2050, Middle Eastern nations are accelerating renewable-powered water initiatives. Dubai is set to launch the world’s largest solar-powered desalination plant next year, producing 818,000 cubic meters of potable water daily with an $875 million investment. In Oman, TotalEnergies and Veolia plan a solar photovoltaic system for the Sharqiyah plant, serving 600,000 people. Despite challenges like high initial costs and the need for advanced storage systems, solar desalination is gaining traction. The Al Khafji plant in Saudi Arabia, commissioned in 2017, already produces 60,000 cubic meters of water daily. Public-private partnerships and technological innovations in AI and battery storage are further driving this shift, making solar desalination essential for sustainable water security in the region. (Mercom)       

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port Partners to Redevelop Nimtala Ghat

Kolkata: Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata (SMPK), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday with PS Group Realty Private Limited to redevelop and beautify Nimtala Ghat as part of PS Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.The agreement was formalised at SMPK’s Head Office at 15, Strand Road, in the presence of SMPK chairman Rathendra Raman, deputy chairman Samrat Rahi, PS Group directors Saurav Dugar, Gaurav Dugar, Arun Sancheti, and senior SMPK officials.Under the MoU, PS Group will undertake the full redevelopment and permitted construction of Nimtala Imm..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

CSIR-NCL and Covestro Collaborate to Upcycle Polyurethane Waste

In a move towards sustainable plastic waste management, Pune-based CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Covestro (India) Private Limited on Wednesday to develop innovative upcycling technologies for polyurethane waste.Polyurethane is notoriously difficult to recycle, with current methods often proving inefficient, costly, and environmentally harmful. This collaboration aims to address existing challenges, including high energy usage and deterioration of material quality during recycling.Ashish Lele, director of CSIR-NCL, stated, “This p..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

Torrent Pharma Seeks CCI Approval for Rs 195 Billion JB Chemicals Deal

Ahmedabad-based Torrent Pharmaceuticals has sought clearance from the Competition Commission of India (CCI) to acquire a majority stake in J B Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals in a Rs 195 billion deal.Upon completion, Torrent Pharmaceuticals will become India’s second most valuable pharmaceutical company.The move follows Torrent’s June announcement to acquire a majority stake in J B Chemicals for Rs 195 billion.“The proposed combination pertains to the acquisition of shareholding by Torrent Pharmaceuticals Ltd in J B Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd, followed by the merger of the target ..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?