Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: ACCIONA, a global leader in regenerative solutions for a decarbonized economy, held its first panel discussion on reverse osmosis and water sustainability in Saudi Arabia. The event took place on April 28 at the Spanish Embassy in Riyadh, bringing together key figures from the water industry, government, and business sectors.
Promoting Sustainable Water Solutions:
The panel, titled “The Saudi Solution for Water Sustainability: Reverse Osmosis Desalination”, focused on how reverse osmosis technology is transforming Saudi Arabia’s water supply system.
With the Kingdom’s arid climate and scarce freshwater resources, reverse osmosis desalination has become a critical solution. The event highlighted how this technology aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, supporting goals of sustainability, economic diversification, and environmental stewardship.
Industry Experts Share Insights:
The distinguished panelists included:
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Khaled Al Qourashi, CEO of SWPC
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Khalid Al Habib, Chief Investment Officer at WTTCO
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Mohammed Alhajjaj, CEO of ENGIE KSA
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Manuel Manjon, CEO of ACCIONA’s Water Business Line
The discussion was moderated by Julio de la Rosa, ACCIONA’s Middle East Business Development Director for Water.
Participants shared their expertise on managing water resources to meet the demands of a growing population and an expanding economy—without compromising future generations’ access to clean water.
Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Water Sustainability:
Saudi Arabia is one of the world’s largest producers of desalinated water. To secure its water future, the Kingdom is investing heavily in expanding reverse osmosis desalination plants. This technology offers a sustainable and energy-efficient solution, crucial for domestic, industrial, and agricultural needs.
Javier Nieto, ACCIONA’s Director for Water in Saudi Arabia, delivered the keynote address. He stated:
“ACCIONA’s expertise is directly aligned with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. Our seven ongoing desalination and wastewater treatment projects, along with two recently completed desalination plants, will improve water security for over 8.3 million people. These projects will make Saudi Arabia more resilient to climate shocks and water scarcity.”
The Role of Reverse Osmosis in the Middle East:
The Middle East’s desalinated water production is projected to increase 13 times by 2040 compared to 2014 levels, according to ACCIONA’s latest Sustainability Report. Climate change and rapid population growth are driving this surge in demand.
Saudi Arabia, with a population of over 33 million, ranks as the third highest per capita consumer of water in the world, following the United States and Canada.
ACCIONA utilizes reverse osmosis technology, which emits 6.5 times fewer greenhouse gases than traditional thermal desalination methods. This eco-friendly solution not only addresses water scarcity but also supports the Kingdom’s environmental sustainability goals.
Supporting Saudi Arabia’s Sustainable Future:
ACCIONA’s initiatives are paving the way for a more secure and sustainable water future in Saudi Arabia. By leading conversations on reverse osmosis technology and investing in large-scale water projects, the company is contributing significantly to the Kingdom’s economic development and environmental resilience.
