ACCIONA, a worldwide company known for its innovative solutions that support a greener economy, hosted its inaugural discussion panel as part of a series of Talks aimed at advocating for sustainable practices in Saudi Arabia.
The event, held at the Spanish Embassy in Riyadh on April 28th, gathered experts from water management, government, and business sectors to highlight the significance of reverse osmosis technology in water treatment.
The event in Riyadh was the first of a series of panel discussions titled “The Saudi Solution for Water Sustainability: Reverse Osmosis Desalination.” It focused on how reverse osmosis technology is key to achieving water sustainability in the Kingdom, highlighting the effective formula for success.
The event featured speakers like Mr. Khaled Al Qourashi, CEO of SWPC; Mr. Khalid Al Habib, Chief Investment Officer at WTTCO; Mr. Mohammed Alhajjaj, CEO of ENGIE KSA; and Manuel Manjon, CEO of ACCIONA’s Water business line. Julio de la Rosa, Middle East Business Development Director for ACCIONA’s Water Business, moderated the discussion, where they apoke about managing water resources efficiently to meet the needs of a growing population and economy without harming future access to clean water. In Saudi Arabia, where freshwater is limited due to the arid climate, desalination plants are crucial for water supply. The speakers highlighted how Saudi Vision 2030 prioritizes investing in desalination technology like reverse osmosis and increasing the capacity of existing desalination plants to ensure a reliable water supply for homes, industries, and farms.
Javier Nieto, KSA Director for the Water business of ACCIONA who participated as the keynote speaker, mentioned, “ACCIONA’s expertise is directly relevant to the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 programs and goals. We see ourselves as partners that can enable the Kingdom to realize its vision of creating a vibrant, diversified and more sustainable economy and society. For example, the seven desalinations and wastewater treatment plants that we are building –and the two desalination plants that we have recently completed– will improve the water security of 8.3 million people and make the country more resilient to climate shocks”.
REVERSE OSMOSIS IN KSA
Saudi Arabia stands as a major player in desalinated water production globally, boasting many plants on its coasts. Reverse osmosis tech is key to tackling water scarcity in the Kingdom, ensuring clean water for various needs. This supports Saudi’s growth, eco-friendliness, and public welfare.
By 2040, the Middle East will produce 13 times more desalinated water than in 2014, says ACCIONA’s Sustainability Report. Climate change and more people are boosting the need for desalinated water in this water-scarce area. Saudi Arabia, with 33.4 million people, ranks third globally in water consumption per person, after the United States and Canada.
ACCIONA uses highly efficient reverse osmosis to desalinate water, emitting 6.5 times fewer greenhouse gases compared to thermal desalination methods.
