Saudi Arabia is exploring sustainable water desalination technologies and energy solutions
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing national water security, King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), in partnership with the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (the operational arm of the Saudi Water Authority), organized a specialized workshop entitled “Towards Sustainable Desalination.” The workshop discussed the latest innovative solutions to improve the efficiency of the production system and reduce operational and environmental costs.
Strategic context and importance of the event
This workshop comes at a time when Saudi Arabia is the world's leading producer of desalinated water, accounting for approximately 20% of global production. In line with the goals of Vision 2030, the Kingdom is striving to transition from traditional, energy-intensive methods to environmentally friendly technologies based on renewable energy, making scientific research and technological innovation a cornerstone for ensuring the sustainability of this vital resource for future generations.
System integration: technology and policies
During the workshop, Dr. Abdullah Al-Khudairi, Vice President of Sustainability and Environment at KAUST, explained that the concept of water desalination is no longer limited to engineering and technical aspects alone, but has transformed into an integrated system involving national policies, regulatory legislation, innovation, and energy economics. Dr. Al-Khudairi emphasized that the National Laboratory in the city plays a pivotal role in translating theoretical research into practical applications and building strategic partnerships that serve the national economy.
National Water Strategy 2030
For his part, Engineer Abdullah Al-Zwaid, Head of Desalination Operations, reviewed the key features of the National Water Strategy 2030, which prioritizes sustainability and security of supply. He noted that the strategy aims to achieve a delicate balance between increasing demand and available resources, while focusing on improving operational efficiency and protecting the marine environment from the side effects of desalination processes.
Challenges and opportunities for localization
The experts and specialists participating in the workshop discussed the current challenges facing the sector, most notably the urgent need to connect desalination plants to renewable energy sources to reduce carbon emissions. They also highlighted the importance of localizing the desalination industry and its supply chains, which contributes to creating new job opportunities and enhancing local content, emphasizing that innovative national models have proven their viability and potential for commercial expansion.
