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 is tasked with advancing nuclear and renewable energy development in Saudi Arabia. Headquartered in Riyadh, it collaborates with government bodies, scientific institutions, and international partners to foster sustainable energy solutions.
This desalination initiative is part of a broader national effort to promote renewable energy applications. The pilot system utilizes concentrated solar power as a heat source alongside forward osmosis technology, creating a zero-carbon desalination process fully powered by solar energy.
The project also achieved a 20% reduction in wastewater production compared to traditional reverse osmosis methods, minimizing environmental impacts on marine ecosystems. This innovative approach strengthens Saudi Arabia’s water security while supporting its transition to a low-carbon economy.
