Neom to tackle water scarcity with desalination plant

A desalination plant powered by 100 per cent renewable energy is being worked out for the masterplanned Neom greenfield site in Saudi Arabia.

Located in the Oxagon, the reimagined industrial area, its aim is to create a sustainable, abundant water supply for residential, industrial, and commercial use.

To realise the vision, Enowa, the energy, water, and hydrogen subsidiary of Neom, signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Japanese trading company, Itochu, and Veolia, a global leader in water, waste, and energy management solutions.

Circular economy

The new plant aims to meet the water needs of Neom with a production capacity of 500,000m3 of desalinated water per day by project completion in 2025, approximately 30 per cent of Neom’s forecasted total water demand.

Set to produce its early-water in 2024 and aligned with Neom’s commitment to develop a circular economy, the plant will use advanced membrane technology to produce separate brine streams. This will enable Enowa to produce brine-derived products, which will be developed and monetised downstream.

Brine, which is usually considered a waste output of desalination, will be used to produce significant quantities of valuable industrial materials that can be used locally or exported internationally.

“This new desalination plant is one example of the type of sustainable infrastructure and circular economy we are developing to meet our zero-carbon footprint and zero-waste goals”

“Partnering with global leaders in sustainable water solutions is key to Neom’s ambition to become a global benchmark for integrated sustainable water systems,” said Peter Terium, CEO of Enowa. “At Enowa, our vision is to create a sustainable abundance of life’s most essential elements, all in harmony with nature. We will be producing, treating, and reusing water in one of the most water-stressed regions in the world, through sustainable, innovative and integrated solutions.

“This new desalination plant is one example of the type of sustainable infrastructure and circular economy we are developing to meet our zero-carbon footprint and zero-waste goals.”