Abengoa, AWT to jointly develop solar-powered desalination facility in Saudi Arabia

Riyadh based water firm Advanced Water Technology (AWT) has selected Spanish firm Abengoa to jointly set up a solar-powered desalination plant in Saudi Arabia.

The project that will supply water to Al Khafji City in North Eastern Saudi Arabia is estimated to cost $130m.

The facility is expected to supply 60,000m³ of treated seawater per day, which will be used to ensure stable supply of drinking water for the local community.

The plant will be using solar photovoltaic (PV) technology for the water treatment process which will bring down the operational costs and ensure low power consumption.

The process will include a pre-treatment phase for the regional seawater as well, which is intended to reduce the existing salinity level and filter the oils and fats present in water in the region.

The two firms will co-ordinate to supply water in a sustainable way for the Saudi Arabian city, thereby promoting socio-economic development.

Once commissioned, the project will raise Abengoa’s daily desalination capacity to 1,500,000m³. The firm has major water and energy projects under its portfolio including the Barka desalination plant in Oman.

The newly formed AWT is owned by the Saudi Company for Technological Development and Investment (TAQNIA) and is the commercial unit of KACST (King Abdulaziz City Science and Technology).

The project represents its initial entry into water industry using desalination technology. The firm intends to venture into other roles in the industry as well, including water reuse and management.