The financial close of a 180 million imperial gallons per day (MIGD) seawater reverse osmosis (RO) desalination project in Hassyan has been announced by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) and Saudi-based Acwa Power.

According to a report, the project is a key component of DEWA’s strategy to enhance the emirate’s water desalination capacity. It will be the world’s largest project of its kind using RO technology under the Independent Water Producer (IWP) model, with an investment of US $920mn.

“We are committed to developing an advanced and integrated energy and water infrastructure that aligns with Dubai’s progressive development and caters to the increasing demand for electricity and water services while meeting the requirements of comprehensive sustainable development plans and the Dubai Urban Plan 2040,” remarked Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, the MD & CEO of DEWA.

He added, “This initiative supports Dubai’s Integrated Water Resources Management Strategy 2030, which emphasises resource optimisation and the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions.”

The project is expected to play a crucial role in Dubai’s plan to produce 100% of its desalinated water by 2030 from a clean energy and waste heat mix.

Mohammad Abunayyan, Founder and Chairman of Acwa Power expressed delight at joining forces with DEWA to finalise the financing of the project. He noted, “This partnership serves as a model for fruitful projects that we operate and manage in cooperation with DEWA, as part of our commitment to contributing to Dubai’s Clean Energy Strategy 2050.”

“We have set a world record for the lowest tariff for desalinated water as well as the most energy-efficient reverse osmosis technology for the first plant in the world that is fully powered by renewable energy at the Hassyan complex in Dubai,” he concluded.