RO desalination Archives

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and ACWA Power have announced the financial closing of the Hassyan seawater reverse osmosis (RO) desalination project.

This 180 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) project is the largest of its kind using RO technology under the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model, with an investment of AED 3.377 billion.

HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, commented: “In alignment with the vision and directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, DEWA is committed to developing an advanced and integrated energy and water infrastructure that aligns with Dubai’s progressive development and caters to the increasing demand for electricity and water services while meeting the requirements of comprehensive sustainable development plans and the Dubai Urban Plan 2040.”

“As part of our commitment to enhancing water security in Dubai through sustainable means, we have successfully reached the financial close for the Hassyan Complex project, aimed at producing 180 MIGD of desalinated water. This initiative supports Dubai’s Integrated Water Resources Management Strategy 2030, which emphasises resource optimisation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.”

By 2030, DEWA shared that it aims to produce 100 per cent of desalinated water with clean energy and waste heat.

“We are proud to join forces with our esteemed partners in the United Arab Emirates to finalise the financing of this ambitious project, which will play a crucial role in Dubai’s ambitious plan to produce 100% of its desalinated water by 2030 from a clean energy and waste heat mix. This partnership serves as a model for fruitful projects that we operate and manage in cooperation with DEWA, as part of our commitment to contributing to Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050. We have set a world record for the lowest tariff for desalinated water as well as the most energy-efficient reverse osmosis technology for the first plant in the world that is fully powered by renewable energy at the Hassyan Power and Water Complex in Dubai,” said Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors of ACWA Power.

ACCIONA recently organised a roundtable discussion titled “Exploring Sustainable Solutions for Water Desalination in Qatar.”

Held on February 28th 2024, the roundtable was the first such event in Qatar, bringing together experts and stakeholders to discuss advancements and future directions in water desalination.

Qatar, like other countries in the MENA is currently grappling with increasing water scarcity challenges, and has turned to Reverse Osmosis desalination as a key strategy for securing potable water.

It was shared that since 2016, reverse osmosis plants have played a crucial role in Qatar’s water infrastructure.

Manuel Manjón, CEO of ACCIONA’s water business, commented: “Today’s discussions have not only highlighted the critical role of Reverse Osmosis desalination in Qatar’s water security strategy but also underscored the importance of continuous innovation and international cooperation in pursuing sustainable water solutions. ACCIONA is proud to be at the forefront of this journey, contributing to Qatar’s vision of a water-secure future.”

A roundtable titled: “7 years of Large scale Desalination by Reverse Osmosis in Qatar”, was also held, where Jamal al Khalid, CEO of Umm Al Houl Desalination Plant, Mubarak Al Nasr, CEO of Ras Abu Fontas Desalination Plant and Fernando Cortabitarte, Water Cycle Director at ACCIONA, discussed the strategic significance of RO desalination in Qatar.

In the discussion, RO technology was highlighted for its capability to meet large-scale water production demands and its adaptability to Qatar’s evolving environmental and sustainability goals.

On the closing day on February 29th at the 2023 Expo site, ACCIONA’s presentations were led by Juan Manuel Vazquez (Water for agriculture dept.) and Dr. Ana Jiménez Banzo, Head of Innovation MGT & Technology, who shared perspectives on the future of water sustainability in arid regions like Qatar.

The two highlighted ongoing efforts to innovate and address operational challenges in desalination plants.

Further, Dr. Jimenez Banzo explained ACCIONA’s research-driven approach, citing the development of advanced reverse osmosis membranes and energy-efficient technologies.

ACCIONA’s participation in the Expo concluded with a discussion on the importance of collaboration and innovation in ensuring a sustainable water future for arid regions.

RO desalination

DEWA and ACWA Power reach financial close of Hassyan seawater RO desalination project

ACCIONA organises roundtable for sustainable solutions for water desalination in Qatar