King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE), in partnership with the Saudi Water Authority, has successfully concluded the national project titled ‘Development of an Integrated Water Desalination System Using Solar Thermal Energy and Forward Osmosis Technology’.
The project marks a significant milestone in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to advance sustainable and renewable energy solutions. Implemented by a national team from KACARE and the Water Technologies Innovation Institute and Research Advancements (WTIIRA), the initiative aims to provide innovative, energy efficient water desalination technologies aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 sustainability goals.
The KACARE project’s pilot integrated system was designed and implemented, relying on concentrated solar power (CSP) as a thermal source, along with forward osmosis technology, which allows water separations through a semi-permeable membrane without high pressure. This method reduces energy consumption for desalination compared to traditional method.
As part of the project, Eng. Hamad Mudij, Head of Renewable Energy Technology Development and Innovation and a team from the sector visited the project site to follow up on the progress and support the innovative efforts in this vital field. Both the parties reviewed the main achievements of the Desalination project, including the successful and stable trial operation of the system during peak solar hours, enhanced operational efficiency, extended membrane lifespan, and reduced maintenance and replacement costs due to lower rates of biofouling.
The KACARE project also achieved significant environmental outcomes, including a zero carbon emission desalination system, due to the complete reliance on solar energy. Additionally, the system reduced brine volume by 20 percent compared to reverse osmosis technology, minimizing environmental impact on marine ecosystems.
This research project on desalination represents a successful model of national collaboration in developing innovative and sustainable renewable energy solutions, contributing to the Kingdom’s water security and supporting the shift towards a low carbon economy, in line with the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030 in the areas of energy, water, and the environment.
