UAE to construct world?s largest sea water RO desalination plant

The Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) and Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power have signed a water purchase agreement for the construction of the world’s largest sea water reverse osmosis (RO) desalination plant at Taweelah Power and Water Complex. The project will be constructed 50km north of Abu Dhabi, at a cost of up to US $900m.

The project is expected to be complete by 2022. The engineering, procurement, and construction contract for the power plant will be undertaken by a joint venture of Abengoa and PowerChina.

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Sea water reverse osmosis desalination plant

According to President and CEO of ACWA Power, Paddy Padmanathan, their decision to bid for the plant project demonstrates the company’s confidence in EWEC as a reliable partner and confirms their commitment to contribute to the development of the United Arab Emirates by increasing the company’s participation in the power generation and water desalination sectors.

“Through the Taweelah RO plant project and the enabling environment provided by Abu Dhabi, we are proud to be setting new global bench marks in both the cost of desalinated water and the energy consumed in producing that water,”he added

ACWA Power will own a 40% stake in a project that will be developed to be responsible for the Taweelah IWP. The remaining stake will belong to Abu Dhabi Power Corporation and its affiliates. Emirates Water and Electricity Company will be the off-taker for the project.

The plant is expected to deliver 909,200 cubic meters of water per day to support the industries and the community at Al Taweelah and the surrounding areas. The plant will also play a role in catering to Abu Dhabi’s peak water demand, which is expected to rise by 11% between 2017 and 2024. The project will set a world record by utilizing the lowest amount of energy per gallon of desalinated water produced.