 |
| |
Breaking Barriers: Shuqaiq 3's Global Impact | |
| Sumita Pawar |
Saudi Arabia's Shuqaiq 3 desalination plant is leading the way in modernising the water sector in the kingdom.
 |
The plant uses sweater reverse osmosis (SWRO) technology to produce 450,000 cubic metres of potable water per day, providing for a potential population of two million inhabitants in the extremely dry regions of Asir and Jizan.
Despite COVID-19 problems, construction work on the plant was completed in record time, and it has been recognised as the Desalination Plant of the Year by the Global Water Awards.
The plant is a milestone in sustainable and innovative desalination, and its consortium of ACCIONA, Almar Water Solutions, Marubeni Corporation, and Rawafid Alhadarah Holding Co. was awarded the contract by Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) in 2019 as part of a 7-year project to modernise the water sector in Saudi Arabia.
With a population of 33.4 million and considerable water shortages, demand for desalinated water is growing in response to climate change and demographic growth.
Shuqaiq 3 is a flagship project in the region, recognised for its operational performance, innovative technology, and sustainable financial model.