Qatar Boosts Sustainable Desalination with New Tech

Qatar Leads the Way in Sustainable Desalination with Advanced Technologies

Doha, Qatar:
Qatar is taking major strides toward transforming its desalination sector into a model of sustainability and efficiency by adopting cutting-edge technologies and clean energy solutions. According to Guillermo Hijós, Desalination Director for the Middle East and Oceania at Acciona’s Water division, these initiatives are designed to reduce energy use and limit environmental impact, while ensuring a consistent and eco-conscious supply of potable water for the country.

The installation of Acciona’s AI-powered Maestro platform at the Umm Al Houl desalination plant, which has a daily capacity of more than 500,000 cubic meters, is one of the initiative’s major turning points. Around 2.9 million people in Qatar receive clean water thanks to the Ras Abu Fondas 3 facility, which also adds an extra 165,000 cubic meters per day.

The ISO 50001 energy management certification, which emphasizes these two facilities’ efficiency and adherence to global standards, is a testament to their operational excellence. In order to better integrate sustainable practices into the nation’s water infrastructure, both plants are run in collaboration with Kahramaa (Qatar Public Electricity and Water Corporation).

“This is a significant international benchmark,” said Hijós, underlining the certification as proof of Qatar’s commitment to responsible water resource management and energy conservation.

The Middle East, being a global leader in desalination, also contributes heavily to brine production—a byproduct that poses environmental challenges if not handled correctly. Reducing the environmental impact of brine disposal and enhancing long-term sustainability require the integration of renewable energy, cutting-edge technology, and intelligent water-saving technologies, according to experts.

Investing in solar energy to power some of its desalination facilities is one way Qatar is already taking this step. While still evolving, these efforts align with the broader vision of Qatar National Vision 2030 (QNV 2030), which promotes the integration of solar photovoltaic systems with desalination plants to lessen reliance on fossil fuels.

Further innovation is emerging from local research institutions. The Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) has developed a pilot Multi-Effect Distillation (MED) plant in Dukhan, which demonstrates notable efficiency improvements. This system consumes just 4.5 kWh per cubic meter, a significant reduction compared to the 12 kWh per cubic meter needed for conventional thermal desalination technologies—leading to lower operational costs and decreased energy consumption.

Hijós emphasized that these achievements represent a declaration of purpose as much as a reflection of technological progress. “We reaffirm our pursuit of sustainable innovation and top-tier energy performance in Qatar’s water sector by obtaining ISO 50001 certification.”

Qatar is a leader in environmental stewardship and sustainable infrastructure, and its initiatives in the worldwide desalination sector mark a significant move toward low-carbon, energy-efficient water solutions.