Dubai, United Arab Emirates – In a significant advancement towards securing a sustainable water future, the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) has awarded a formal contract valued at US $320 million to Sidem, a subsidiary of Veolia. This project entails the construction of the Hassyan seawater desalination plant, poised to become the world's largest solar-powered desalination facility upon its completion in 2027.
Enhancing Water Security for a Thriving Emirate
Strategically situated 55 kilometers southwest of Dubai Creek, the Hassyan plant boasts a remarkable production capacity of 180 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD). This translates to a reliable and secure source of potable water for an estimated two million residents within Dubai, effectively addressing the emirate's growing water demands.
Sustainable Desalination at the Forefront
The project aligns seamlessly with Veolia's GreenUp strategic plan, which prioritizes the development of environmentally conscious solutions. The Hassyan plant is designed to achieve exceptional energy efficiency, with a remarkably low energy consumption rate of 2.9kWh/m3 during the desalination process. This translates to a significant reduction in Dubai's overall carbon footprint.
Furthermore, Sidem leverages its extensive expertise in pre-treatment and post-treatment stages to ensure optimal water quality while minimizing environmental impact. Their proven track record in desalination, particularly in optimizing reverse osmosis (RO) technology for energy efficiency, has demonstrably reduced energy consumption within RO plants by 35% over the past decade.
A Pioneering Model for the Future
The Hassyan desalination plant represents a groundbreaking advancement in sustainable water production. It exemplifies how leveraging cutting-edge technology can effectively address water security challenges while adhering to the highest standards of environmental responsibility. This project serves as a pioneering model for future desalination initiatives across the globe, paving the way for a more sustainable water future for generations to come.
By Jason Saundalkar