According to the press release issued yesterday by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power and the Sharjah Electricity, Water, and Gas Authority (SEWA), the agreement signed for Sharjah’s first Independent Water Project will enable the production of an average of 272,000,000 litres (272,000 cubic meters) of desalinated water per day in its initial phase.
The Hamriyah IWP, scheduled to begin operations in the second quarter of 2027, will play a key role in Sharjah’s water infrastructure. By the third quarter of 2028, it is expected to expand production to 410,000 cubic meters per day, providing enough clean water for 1.4 million people. The project will also feature advanced post-treatment, filtration, and disinfection systems, ensuring high-quality water output while maintaining energy efficiency. The plant will consume just 3.2 kilowatt-hours per cubic meter of water produced, underscoring its environmentally conscious design.
Abdullah Abdul Rahman Al Shamsi, SEWA‘s Director General, highlighted the significance of the project, calling it one of the largest water investments in the emirate’s history. “This agreement aligns with Sharjah’s strategy to enhance its water sector by utilizing the latest technologies,” Al Shamsi stated.
ACWA Power’s CEO, Marco Arcelli, emphasized the project’s importance in expanding the company’s presence in the UAE, noting, “This collaboration further strengthens ACWA Power’s global leadership in desalination and reflects our commitment to providing sustainable and affordable water solutions.”
In short, this strategic partnership plays a crucial role in securing future water supplies for Sharjah and the UAE, while also supporting the emirate’s sustainable growth goals.
Why Crucial for UAE
As of 2023, the UAE’s desalinated water production is estimated at around 1.4 billion gallons per day, positioning the country as one of the world’s largest producers of desalinated water. On average, a UAE resident consumes approximately 550 liters of water daily, which includes domestic uses such as drinking, cooking, and washing, as well as non-domestic activities like watering gardens and maintaining pools. A significant portion of this water is derived from desalination, underscoring the country’s reliance on this process to meet its water demands.
Compared to global standards, water consumption in the UAE is notably high, primarily due to the nation’s hot climate and water-intensive lifestyle. For a typical family of four to five members, daily water usage can range between 2,200 and 2,750 liters, covering essential household activities. This substantial dependency on desalinated water forms the backbone of the UAE’s water infrastructure, playing a pivotal role in supporting daily life and ensuring water security.
While water consumption can vary based on family size, lifestyle, and specific habits, desalination remains a cornerstone of the UAE’s strategy to support its rapidly growing population and increasing water demand. Based on current production, the UAE’s desalination output of 1.4 billion gallons per day would be sufficient to meet the needs of approximately 9.6 million people, assuming the average daily consumption rate of 550 liters per person.
However, as of 2024, the UAE’s total population, including residents of all nationalities, expatriates, and the influx of travelers, is estimated to be around 11 million. This underscores the critical importance of desalination in sustaining the country’s burgeoning population and addressing its rising demand for potable water.
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