Addressing Water Scarcity in the Gulf Region: Desalination and Water Treatment Technologies

Dubai - June 25, 2024

Hon. Prof. David Provenzani

INTRODUCTION

Water scarcity is a pressing challenge in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, where arid climates and rapid population growth strain already limited freshwater resources. This article examines the innovative technologies and strategies employed to tackle water scarcity, with a focus on the latest advancements in desalination and wastewater treatment. It is worth noting that the average annual rainfall in the GCC countries is less than 100 millimetres (excluding extraordinary events), and natural freshwater resources are very limited. Desalination and wastewater treatment have become essential to meeting water demands.

DESALINATION TECHNOLOGIES

Desalination is the process of removing salts and other impurities from seawater to produce potable water. In the GCC, it accounts for a significant portion of the water supply, with Saudi Arabia and the UAE being the largest producers. Several advanced desalination technologies have been deployed to enhance efficiency and sustainability.

1. Reverse Osmosis (RO)

Reverse osmosis is a widely used desalination technology that employs a semipermeable membrane to separate salts from water. The process is driven by pressure, typically ranging from 55 to 82 bar. RO plants in the GCC have achieved remarkable efficiency improvements in recent years.

- Jebel Ali Desalination Plant (UAE): One of the largest RO plants in the world, with a capacity of 470,000 cubic meters per day. The plant employs advanced energy recovery devices, reducing energy consumption to approximately 3 kWh/m³.

- Ras Al Khair Desalination Plant (Saudi Arabia): This hybrid plant combines RO and multi-stage flash (MSF) distillation, with a total capacity of 1,036,000 cubic meters per day. The RO section alone produces 307,000 cubic meters per day, with energy consumption optimized to 3.5 kWh/m³.

2. Multi-Stage Flash Distillation (MSF)

MSF is a thermal desalination process that involves heating seawater and then rapidly cooling it to induce evaporation and condensation. Although energy-intensive, MSF is reliable and capable of handling large volumes of water.

- Shuaiba Desalination Plant (Kuwait): Produces 880,000 cubic meters per day using MSF technology. Recent upgrades have focused on improving heat exchanger efficiency, resulting in a specific energy consumption of 6-7 kWh/m³.

3. Solar-Powered Desalination

Harnessing solar energy for desalination is a promising approach in the sun-rich GCC region. Solar-powered systems reduce reliance on fossil fuels, thereby decreasing the carbon footprint of desalination.

- Masdar City Solar Desalination Project (UAE): A pilot project aimed at producing 1,500 cubic meters per day using concentrated solar power (CSP). The project demonstrates the potential for scalable solar desalination, with energy consumption significantly lower than traditional methods.

- Hassyan Desalination Plant (UAE): In May, 2024 Veolia announced the win of a $320 million water technology contract for world’s most energy-efficient desalination plant, enhancing water security in UAE. With a capacity of 818,000 cubic meters per day, this reverse osmosis desalination plant will supply drinking water to 2 million people. Advanced reverse osmosis technologies combined with Veolia’s extensive expertise in critical pretreatment and posttreatment stages, reduce the energy used to desalinate seawater by 35% over the past ten years. Commissioned by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and ACWA Power, the plant will be the second largest desalination plant based on reverse osmosis (RO) technology in the world, and the largest desalination plant powered by solar energy. Located approximately 55 kilometers southwest of Dubai Creek, the Hassyan desalination plant will provide a safe and reliable source of drinking water to two million people. This project will feature an exceptional energy efficiency performance, with an incredibly low energy consumption rate of 2,9 kilowatt-hours per cubic meter (kWh/m3). The plant is located near the Jebel Ali Wetland Sanctuary, a Ramsar protected site recognized by the Convention on Biological Diversity as an ecologically or biologically significant marine area of international importance. To ensure the uninterrupted nesting process of endangered turtles, construction activities have carefully been planned around the breeding season. Additionally, the plant adheres strictly to environmental laws and regulations in terms of composition, temperature and quantity of brine discharged, with discharge areas thoughtfully selected to mitigate any potential impact on the ecosystem.

WASTEWATER TREATMENT AND REUSE

Advanced wastewater treatment and reuse are critical components of sustainable water management. The GCC countries are investing in state-of-the-art treatment facilities to maximize water reuse and minimize environmental impact.

1. Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) Technology

MBR combines biological treatment with membrane filtration, offering high-quality effluent suitable for various reuse applications.

- Lusail City Wastewater Treatment Plant (Qatar): Utilizes MBR technology to treat 60,000 cubic meters per day of municipal wastewater. The treated water is used for irrigation and industrial processes, reducing the reliance on freshwater sources.

2. Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOPs)

AOPs involve the generation of highly reactive species, such as hydroxyl radicals, to degrade organic pollutants in wastewater.

- Al Ansab Wastewater Treatment Plant (Oman): Employs AOPs to treat 76,000 cubic meters per day of wastewater. The advanced treatment ensures the removal of persistent organic pollutants, making the effluent suitable for high-quality reuse applications.

3. Treated Sewage Effluent (TSE) Reuse

The reuse of treated sewage effluent for non-potable purposes is gaining traction in the GCC.

- Dubai Municipality TSE Network (UAE): Supplies over 200,000 cubic meters per day of treated effluent for landscape irrigation and district cooling. This initiative conserves freshwater resources and supports urban sustainability.

WATER CONSERVATION PROGRAMS

In addition to technological advancements, water conservation programs are essential to reducing per capita water consumption. Public awareness campaigns, smart water meters, and regulatory measures play a pivotal role in promoting sustainable water use.

1. Tarsheed Program (Qatar)

The Tarsheed program, launched by the Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa), aims to reduce water and electricity consumption through public awareness and technological interventions.

- Since its inception in 2012, Tarsheed has achieved a 20% reduction in per capita water consumption, demonstrating the effectiveness of integrated conservation strategies.

2. MyWater Initiative (UAE)

The MyWater initiative by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) encourages residents to monitor and reduce their water usage through smart meters and mobile applications.

- Users of the MyWater initiative have reported an average reduction of 10-15% in their monthly water bills, highlighting the role of technology in promoting conservation.

POLICY AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS

Effective water management in the GCC is underpinned by robust policy and regulatory frameworks. Governments are implementing comprehensive water policies that address pricing, subsidies, and usage quotas to ensure sustainable water use.

1. Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030

Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 outlines ambitious goals for sustainable water management, including reducing water consumption by 43% and increasing the use of treated wastewater to 100% by 2030.

- Key Measures: Introduction of water tariffs, investment in water infrastructure, and promotion of water-saving technologies.

2. UAE Water Security Strategy 2036

The UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 aims to ensure sustainable access to water under all conditions, focusing on efficient water management and diversification of water sources.

- Key Measures: Development of new desalination plants, expansion of wastewater treatment facilities, and enhancement of water conservation programs.

CONCLUSION

The Gulf region's approach to addressing water scarcity is multifaceted, involving cutting-edge desalination technologies, advanced wastewater treatment, robust conservation programs, and comprehensive policy frameworks. By leveraging these strategies, the GCC countries are making significant progress toward achieving sustainable water management. The integration of innovation, technology, and governance provides a model for other arid regions facing similar challenges. As these efforts continue to evolve, they offer hope for a future where water scarcity is effectively managed, ensuring water security for generations to come.

REFERENCES

1. National Water Company (Saudi Arabia). (2021). "Desalination and Water Management Initiatives."

2. Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). (2023). "MyWater Initiative Impact Report."

3. Qatar General Electricity and Water Corporation (Kahramaa). (2022). "Tarsheed Program Annual Report."

4. Masdar City. (2022). "Solar Desalination Project Overview."

5. Oman Water and Wastewater Services Company. (2022). "Al Ansab Wastewater Treatment Plant Technical Report."

6. UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. (2023). "UAE Water Security Strategy 2036."