Saudi-listed ACWA Power, the world’s largest private water desalination company, has signed an agreement with Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA).
The partnership aims to develop Sharjah’s first Independent Water Project (IWP), catering to the emirate’s growing demand for potable water. The Hamriyah IWP will employ cutting-edge seawater reverse osmosis (SWRO) technology for efficient seawater desalination.
The plant will generate nearly 272,000 cubic meters per day (m3/day) of desalinated water by Q2 2027. Upon achieving full operations in Q3 2028, the capacity of the plant will increase to 410,000 m3/day of desalinated water that will result in potable water sufficient for 1.4 million people.
Marco Arcelli CEO – ACWA Power
“We are delighted to collaborate with SEWA on this landmark project, bringing our total portfolio in the UAE to eight projects in both power and water. This project reinforces ACWA Power’s indisputable global leadership in water desalination, and we look forward to bringing our extensive experience in low-carbon intensive RO desalination to the emirate of Sharjah, providing an end-to-end solution to meet growing demand for clean and affordable water.”
SEWA operates under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, to implement a specific water strategy. This strategy seeks to strengthen water security, drive sustainable growth, and provide access to clean and safe drinking water for all.
His Excellency Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Shamsi, Director General of Sharjah Electricity, Water and Gas Authority (SEWA), commented that, “The signing of the agreement to establish a water desalination plant in Al Hamriyah with one of the largest specialist companies in this field aligns with the plan to develop the water sector system in the Emirate of Sharjah. It is considered one of the largest investments in water at the emirate level, utilizing the latest technologies.”
“The new plant will operate using the reverse osmosis system for water desalination and includes the latest post-treatment, filtration, and disinfection technologies. The project will increase water production capacity, adding a storage capacity of 90 million gallons, in addition to consuming no more than 3.2 kilowatts per hour to produce one cubic meter of water,” added Director General of SEWA.
ACWA Power is the world’s largest private water desalination operator with a diverse portfolio of 19 projects that leverage pioneering technologies and clean energy to deliver sustainable water solutions. ACWA Power’s notable projects, such as Taweelah RO and Rabigh 3, highlight the company’s innovative approach to water desalination.
