Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC) has received four proposals to develop Saadiyat Island Reverse Osmosis (RO) Independent Water Project (IWP) from Acciona Agua, Engie, GS Inima Environmental, and a consortium of FCC Aqualia and Orascom Construction Industries.
The Saadiyat Island RO initiative includes a new RO seawater desalination plant strategically located on Saadiyat Island. With the use of advanced, low-carbon-intensive RO technology, the plant will desalinate about 60 million gallons of seawater daily, which is equivalent to almost 273,000 m3/day.
Othman Al Ali CEO – EWEC
“EWEC is focused on transitioning to a reverse osmosis-centered infrastructure, and with this key project we grow a step closer to achieving our strategic goal of producing 90 percent of water through reverse osmosis capacity by 2030, and ensuring nearly carbon-free water production by 2031. Our mission is aligned with the realization of the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, ultimately contributing to the achievement of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. We look forward to collaborating with the awarded partner to further strengthen Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s position as a leading hub for sustainable development.”
In comparison to traditional thermal desalination, low-carbon-intensive RO technology delivers more than an 85 percent reduction in emissions. By 2031, EWEC aims to reduce carbon emission from water desalination in Abu Dhabi to less than one kilogram per cubic meter.
The request for Proposals (RFP) was issued to bidders who have successfully passed the qualification process following expressions of interest (EOI) stage. EOIs were submitted by a total of 41 companies and consortiums, while 19 qualified for the RFP stage after the submission of statements of qualification.
The submitted proposals will go through a detailed technical and commercial evaluation process. The awarding announcement and the execution of Water Purchase Agreement are anticipated to be carried out in Q4 2024. By Q3 2027, the commercial operations are expected to begin.
