Abu Dhabi: Khalifa University of Science and Technology, in collaboration with Eshara Water, Azelio AB, and Masdar City, has introduced the world’s first atmospheric water generation system (AWG) that operates entirely on solar energy and electrical thermal energy storage.
This innovative technology allows for the production of drinking water directly from the air, with each unit capable of supplying up to 1,000 liters per day, and future plans to expand capacity to 7,500 liters. The AWG project combines atmospheric water generation with solar power and two thermal energy storage power-on-demand systems, enabling the provision of clean electricity during nighttime hours.
Dr. Arif Sultan Al Hammadi, Executive Vice-President of Khalifa University, highlighted the project’s regional relevance, community-specific focus, and commitment to sustainable research. The AWG system aims to address the water and electricity needs of distant or off-grid regions, reducing reliance on non-eco-friendly energy sources. The technology has significant applications in remote locations and disaster relief efforts, where conventional water desalination is impractical due to logistical constraints. By extracting moisture from the ambient air and condensing it as water, AWG systems provide a viable solution for producing fresh water, which is subsequently filtered and treated to meet quality standards.
Ahmed Baghoum, Acting CEO of Masdar City, highlighted the significance of the solar-powered atmospheric water generator as a representation of their vision for sustainable water generation without relying on the national power grid.
Eshara Water, a UAE-based company, has already commercialized AWG systems with production capacities of up to 7,500 liters per day. The modular nature of the technology allows for scalability, with the potential to produce up to 1 million liters of fresh water daily.
The AWG system installed at MISP operates continuously thanks to the integration of a solar PV farm and the TES.POD energy storage system provided by Azelio AB. The introduction of this solar-powered AWG system marks a significant step towards sustainable water production and underscores the ongoing efforts to address global challenges in food and water security.