Desalination of seawater is the lifeblood of water supply in a country like the UAE, where natural bodies of freshwater are limited. EWEC is ensuring this supply is not only reliable for years to come but also nearly emissions-free.
By 2031, water production in Abu Dhabi is forecasted to be nearly emissions-free, with a carbon intensity of less than one kilogram per cubic metre (kg/m3). This unprecedented infrastructure transformation signals to the world the potential of Reverse Osmosis (RO) and renewable energy technologies to both decarbonise and deliver long-term water security. We have been pioneering the utility-scale deployment of RO desalination technology, in line with our strategic initiative to decouple water and power generation. The efficiency advantages of low-carbon-intensive RO equate to more than an 85 per cent reduction in emissions when compared to traditional thermal desalination.
Today, we are well on our way to rapidly transforming the UAE’s water production system. By 2031, 92 per cent of the total projected demand, equating to more than 3.5 million cubic metres per day (m3/d), will be produced using RO. This unprecedented infrastructure transformation and decoupling of water and power production is setting a benchmark for decarbonising the water sector that will have real-world implications for companies and countries far beyond Abu Dhabi and the UAE.
The efficiency advantages of low-carbon-intensive RO equate to over 85% reduction in emissions when compared to traditional thermal desalination
This dual aim of removing emissions from water generation whilst meeting growing demand must become the industry’s north star as we target carbon-neutral economies. It is especially pertinent given the expected rise in global demand for water resources. Worldwide, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) estimates the projected gap between water supply and demand could reach 40% by 2030. Amidst this backdrop, technologies that have been proven to deliver reliable, robust water generation whilst reducing environmental stresses must be prioritised.
How, then, does EWEC intend to make an emissions-free water supply a reality in Abu Dhabi? Firstly, by accurately forecasting and modelling the Emirate's current and future water needs. In our latest Statement of Future Capacity Requirements 2024-2037 Summary Report (SFCR), EWEC has detailed its recommendations for the strategic projects required to meet the water and electricity needs of Abu Dhabi and the UAE over the coming decade. Leading the charge is Taweelah RO, the world’s largest RO desalination plant. It alone supplies approximately 909,200 m3/d. This plant is already operating at full capacity, showcasing the potential and reliability of RO technology. Our pipeline of world-leading RO and renewable energy projects is paramount to both increasing our capacity and decarbonising water production.
Upcoming projects, such as Shuweihat 4 RO, Mirfa 2 RO, and Saadiyat Island RO, will further strengthen our sustainable water production capacity. Combined, these three projects are set to produce up to 1,143,000 m3/d of potable water. In addition, our latest SFCR recommends the development of a further 800,000 m3/d of low-carbon-intensity RO capacity by 2031. Whilst transitioning to RO technology plays an important role in decarbonising our water supply – by removing the need to burn gas to desalinate water – the other half of the equation is EWEC’s historic deployment of renewable solar PV and clean nuclear energy, which will provide the emissions-free electricity required to operate our utility-scale RO plants.
By harnessing the efficiency of RO and the power of renewable energy, we are poised to meet the UAE’s water needs sustainably and responsibly. This transformation is not just a milestone for EWEC but a beacon of innovation and environmental stewardship for the global water industry. Our journey towards nearly emissions-free water production is a testament to what can be achieved when visionary leadership and technological innovation converge. We are proud to be shaping a future where reliable water supply and environmental sustainability go hand in hand, setting a new standard for the world to follow.