EWEC (Emirates Water and Electricity Company) has announced that it has received four proposals for the Saadiyat Island Reverse Osmosis (RO) Independent Water Project (IWP). The proposals were submitted by Acciona Agua, Engie, GS Inima Environmental, and a consortium of FCC Aqualia and Orascom Construction Industries.
The Saadiyat Island RO project will feature a state-of-the-art greenfield seawater desalination plant located on Saadiyat Island. The facility will utilize advanced, low-carbon-intensive RO technology to desalinate around 60 million imperial gallons per day, equivalent to nearly 273,000 cubic meters per day. This project will be the seventh RO desalination initiative in EWEC’s portfolio.
Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, stated, “EWEC is committed to advancing a reverse osmosis-based infrastructure. This project brings us closer to our goal of generating 90% of our water through reverse osmosis by 2030 and achieving nearly carbon-free water production by 2031. Our efforts are aligned with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036 and the UAE Net Zero by 2050 initiative. We look forward to partnering with the selected bidder to enhance Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s role as a leader in sustainable development.”
The low-carbon RO technology proposed will cut emissions by over 85% compared to traditional thermal desalination methods. EWEC aims to reduce carbon emissions associated with water desalination in Abu Dhabi to below one kilogram per cubic meter by 2031.
The RFP was issued to companies that passed the initial qualification stage, where 41 companies and consortiums submitted expressions of interest (EOIs). After review, 19 companies and consortiums were invited to the RFP stage. The proposals will now undergo a thorough technical and commercial evaluation. The award announcement and signing of the Water Purchase Agreement are expected in Q4 2024, with commercial operations slated to begin in Q3 2027.