Conserving oil and other natural resources and reducing the cost of electricity generation for powering water desalination plants are on the priority list for most of the GCC countries. Experts believe that solar desalination is the only way that GCC nations can ensure sustainable water supply for their nation’s growth and development.
Saudi Arabia started its first solar-powered sea water desalination plant this year in Al-Khafji, near the Saudi border with Kuwait which will be the world’s largest of its kind. The plant will produce 30,000 cubic meters of water for 100,000 people living in Al-Khafji, according to KACST, whilst there are also upcoming projects in the UAE, Qatar and Oman.
The Solar Desalination Forum will look at the technological partnerships and accomplishments to date of solar desalination in the UAE and other GCC countries and cover how pilot projects can grow into multiple projects.
