The King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (KACARE), in partnership with the Saudi Water Authority (SWA), has successfully developed an integrated water desalination system in Riyadh that combines solar thermal energy with forward osmosis technology. The project was executed by a national team from KACARE and SWA’s Water Technologies Innovation Institute and Research Advancement (WTIIRA).
Established in 2010, KACARE focuses on advancing nuclear and renewable energy in Saudi Arabia through research and collaboration with government bodies, scientific institutions, and international partners. This desalination project is part of a broader national initiative to create sustainable renewable energy applications.
The pilot system uses concentrated solar power as a heat source, coupled with forward osmosis, to deliver a zero-carbon desalination process fully powered by solar energy. Compared to traditional reverse osmosis, this system reduces wastewater production by 20%, minimizing environmental harm to marine ecosystems.
This innovative project not only strengthens Saudi Arabia’s water security but also supports the Kingdom’s transition to a low-carbon economy by promoting clean, renewable energy solutions.
