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 harnesses solar thermal energy combined with forward osmosis technology. This pioneering project was executed by a national team from KACARE and SWA’s Water Technologies Innovation Institute and Research Advancement (WTIIRA).
Established in 2010, KACARE is tasked with advancing nuclear and renewable energy development across Saudi Arabia. Headquartered in Riyadh, it engages in extensive research and collaboration with government bodies, scientific institutions, and global partners to support sustainable energy initiatives.
The desalination project forms part of a broader national effort to create sustainable renewable energy solutions. It involved designing and implementing an integrated pilot system that uses concentrated solar power as a heat source alongside forward osmosis technology, according to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).
This innovative system delivers significant environmental benefits by operating as a zero-carbon desalination plant fully powered by solar energy. It also achieves a 20% reduction in wastewater production compared to traditional reverse osmosis methods, thereby lessening adverse impacts on marine ecosystems.
The project showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to advancing sustainable, innovative energy technologies. It contributes substantially to the Kingdom’s water security objectives while supporting the national transition to a low-carbon economy.
