Saudi Water Partnership Company advances sustainability with Shuaibah 3 Desalination Plant upgrade

As part of its mission to promote sustainability and ensure a secure water future for the Kingdom, the Saudi Water Partnership Company (SWPC) continues to lead in enabling private sector participation in water infrastructure development. One of the most significant milestones in this effort is the transformation of the Shuaibah 3 Desalination Plant, a project that exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s commitment to innovation, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

For years, Shuaibah 3 operated using Multi-Stage Flash (MSF) technology, which played a key role in meeting water demands but required intensive energy input and produced substantial carbon emissions. In response to the growing need for sustainable solutions, SWPC initiated the plant’s conversion to the more efficient and environmentally friendly Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology.

The Shuaibah 3 Independent Water Project (IWP) involves the construction of a seawater desalination facility based on RO technology

The revamped project, now known as the Shuaibah 3 Independent Water Project (IWP), involves the construction of a seawater desalination facility based on RO technology. Located in the Shuaibah region of the Kingdom, the plant will produce 600,000 cubic metres of potable water per day. Seawater will be drawn via a seawater intake system using Seawater Supply Pumps (SSPs) and treated through Dual Media Pressure Filters and Cartridge Filters before reaching the RO membranes. The plant's power requirements will be met by the national grid SA and a 65 MWp captive solar PV system, adding a renewable energy component to further reduce environmental impact.

The plant's power requirements will be met by the national grid SA and a 65 MWp captive solar PV system, adding a renewable energy component

The plant’s conversion is being delivered under a Build-Own-Operate (BOO) model with a 25-year contract term, involving a total investment of SAR 3.079 billion (USD 821 million). The project development company is the Shuaibah Three Water Desalination Company (STWD), a consortium led by ACWA Power, which holds a 48% stake, in partnership with the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and HAACO, which own the remaining 52%. The project achieved financial closure in October 2022, and commenced commercial operation on 07th May 2025.

This initiative has already demonstrated clear environmental and economic benefits, including fuel savings of up to 60,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day and an annual reduction of approximately 9.7 million tons of carbon emissions. These improvements not only enhance operational efficiency but also support national targets for emissions reduction and fuel optimisation. Additionally, the transition to RO technology has resulted in a significant reduction in water tariffs, with a 45% decrease in operating costs compared to the former MSF system. This transformation is poised to provide a reliable and cost-effective water supply while contributing to environmental sustainability.

Key technical and logistical challenges

Converting the Shuaibah 3 plant from MSF to RO technology posed several technical and logistical challenges. One of the primary concerns was maintaining a continuous water supply during the transition. Ensuring that the water demand was met without interruption required careful planning and coordination.

The plant’s conversion is being delivered under a BOO model with a 25-year contract term, involving a total investment of USD 821 million

Another substantial hurdle was restructuring existing Independent Water and Power Project (IWPP) agreements. This required close collaboration with multiple stakeholders, including the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture (MEWA), the Ministry of Finance, the National Center for Privatization (NCP), the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), Water Transmission and Technologies Company (WTTCO), and the Saudi Water Authority (SWA). Managing the expectations and requirements of these stakeholders was critical for ensuring a smooth transition.

Lessons for other desalination facilities

The Shuaibah 3 IWP sets an important precedent for the conversion of ageing desalination plants across the region and globally. Some key lessons that can be applied to similar projects include:

Tariff reduction and lower energy consumption: The shift to RO technology has resulted in substantial fuel savings and reduced energy consumption, contributing to lower operating costs and reduced tariffs.
Reduced CO₂ emissions: The transition from MSF to RO technology has led to an important reduction in carbon emissions, with an estimated annual decrease of 9.7 million tons.

Modularity and scalability: The RO system is modular, which allows for phased upgrades and easier scalability. This makes it an ideal solution for other ageing desalination plants looking to improve their efficiency.
Robust pretreatment systems: RO systems are more sensitive to feedwater quality, making the establishment of a robust pretreatment system essential for the plant's success.

Operator training: While the transition was relatively smooth, it highlighted the importance of proper training for operators to ensure effective operation and maintenance of the new system.
Stakeholder engagement: Early and transparent engagement with stakeholders, especially SEC and other parties involved in the project, is crucial to ensuring that timelines and expectations are met.

Facilitating private sector involvement with the BOO model

The BOO model has proven to be a successful framework for facilitating greater private sector involvement in public water infrastructure projects in Saudi Arabia. The key advantages of this model include:

Encouraging investment: By incentivizing private companies to retain ownership and earn long-term revenue, the BOO model attracts significant investment in critical infrastructure projects.
Reducing public financial burden: The model helps reduce the financial burden on the government by avoiding large upfront capital expenditures.
Promoting efficiency and innovation: Private sector involvement fosters efficiency in construction and operation, as well as the adoption of innovative technologies such as solar PV and advanced desalination systems.
Boosting local content: The model encourages the development of local industries and the creation of job opportunities within Saudi Arabia, helping to boost local content.

Environmental implications of the transition

The environmental benefits of transitioning from MSF to RO technology go beyond reducing carbon emissions. The reduction in energy consumption has contributed to a significant decrease in the use of fossil fuels, while the addition of a solar PV system ensures that the plant's power needs are partially met by renewable energy. However, one of the ongoing environmental considerations is the impact of brine discharge on marine ecosystems. The plant’s design includes measures to minimise the environmental impact of brine disposal, ensuring that the surrounding marine environment is protected.

The transition to RO technology has resulted in reduced water tariffs, with a 45% decrease in operating costs compared to the former MSF system

The integration of a 65 MWp solar PV system into the Shuaibah 3 IWP has had a notable impact on the plant's energy consumption. With solar power contributing to the plant's electricity needs, the facility has achieved a competitive specific power consumption of 2.52 kWh/m3. This innovative use of renewable energy has not only enhanced the plant’s sustainability but has also demonstrated the feasibility of combining solar power with desalination technology to reduce costs and minimise environmental impact.

The transformation of the Shuaibah 3 Desalination Plant into a state-of-the-art facility using RO technology is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to sustainability and innovation in water infrastructure. By integrating renewable energy, reducing environmental impact, and improving operational efficiency, this project serves as a model for the future of desalination in the Kingdom and beyond.