Saudi Arabia’s desalination sector is poised for a radical overhaul, with state utility SWPC set to become the dominant player. SWPC is to add new projects with 7mn m3/d of combined capacity by 2025, which will take total Saudi capacity to 13.6mn m3/d (MEES, 18 September). The new plants will be developed through independent water producer (IWP) partnerships.

SWPC’s plan is based on a Ministry of Environment, Water & Agriculture (Mewa) forecast that total urban water demand will nearly double to 14.5mn m3/d by 2026. Some 90% of demand (13.05mn m3/d) will be met by desalination plants (MEES, 18 September). (CONTINUED - 869 WORDS)