ACWA Power inaugurates $650mn Jubail 3A desalination plant – EQ Mag
The project introduces to the kingdom a first-case integration with photovoltaic (PV) solar power, and is the first IWP in the eastern region producing 600,000 m3 of desalinated water daily
Saudi-based leader in development, investment, and operation of power generation, water desalination and green hydrogen plant, ACWA Power, has inaugurated the Jubail 3A independent water desalination plant (Jazlah Water Desalination Company), an Independent Water Plant (IWP) with the remarkable record of 2.8 kWh/cubic metre of water using Arabian Gulf Seawater, and output capacity of 600,000 cubic meters of desalinated water per day.
Set to meet the increasing water demands in the country, the $650mn (AED2.4bn) plant was launched alongside the consortium’s other members, Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC) and AlBawni Water and Power Company (AWP), after it received the commercial operation certificate from Saudi Water Partnership Co. (SWPC), and was reported to be ready to start fulltime operations.
On its grounds, the Jazlah plant encompasses a 45.5 MW solar PV power generation facility, which will account for 20% of the plant’s energy consumption, making it the first IWP in the kingdom to allocate its energy sources to solar power, as it delivers clean water to over three million people at a record-breaking tariff of SAR1.54 ($0.41)/m3, using reverse osmosis technology.
Contributive Development
Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Water Partnership Company, HE Eng. Abdulrahman AlFadhli, explained that projects like the Jubail 3A plant help to achieve the objectives and plans of the National Water Strategy to increase private sector participation in water production projects, supplying drinking water to all regions in the Kingdom.
He further elaborated that the project will work directly to meet the demand in the Riyadh and Qassim regions, as well as develop this vital sector and improve the quality of its services. In addition, it will optimise expenditure efficiency and harness the private sector’s expertise in construction, operation, and management, thereby increasing its contribution to the sector’s development, which is one of the objectives of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.
The project employs 100% Saudi nationals and further contributes to the growth of a skilled and educated workforce through a cooperative university program which invites students from esteemed universities to undergo training at the plant. By partaking in this program, students acquire essential skills and expertise, empowering them to seamlessly transition into the labour market upon graduation. It has also achieved 40% local content with a total expenditure of $401mn (AED1.47bn), further demonstrating ACWA Power’s contribution to the growth of the Saudi domestic ecosystem of suppliers and manufacturers.
Additionally, the plant’s utilisation of advanced PV and RO technologies will reduce carbon emissions by 60,000 tonnes per year supporting sustained social and economic advancement in line with Saudi Vision 2030.
The Jazlah company project was successfully delivered through a development consortium comprising ACWA Power (40.2%), Gulf Investment Corporation (GIC) (40%), and AlBawani Water & Power Company (AWP) (19.8%). The execution of the project involved the EPC consortium of Power China, Sepco III, Lantania, and Abengoa, while SWPC is the off-taker.
National Priority
Eng. Khalid AlQuraishi, the CEO of Saudi Water Partnership Company, stated: “Today, we proudly present the Jazlah desalination plant, a significant milestone in the water sector.” Adding that “With a daily production capacity of 600,000 cubic meters, this project marks the first Public-Private Partnership (PPP) desalination initiative in the Eastern region with the world’s lowest tariff of SAR1.54 ($0.41)/cubic metre. This remarkable project is a testament to the dedication and collaboration of the consortium consisting of ACWA Power, Gulf Investment Corporation, and AlBawani Water and Electricity Company, who worked tirelessly over a challenging 30-month period to bring this plant into operation.”
AlQuraishi also underscored the plant’s commitment to sustainability, saying, “Through the utilisation of green energy, Jazlah generates 45.5 MW of solar PV power, resulting in reduced carbon emissions and a significant decrease in grid electricity consumption. The plant operates at an impressive energy efficiency rate of 2.8 kWh/cubic metre. The success of this project is a testament to the unwavering commitment of the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, along with the cooperation of all public and private stakeholders. Together, we aim to enhance and sustain water sources, ensuring their reliability and high quality while minimizing environmental impact.”
A national priority under Saudi Vision 2030 is the water sector becoming a sustainable sector that preserves water resources, protects the environment, and provides safe, secure, and efficient services through increased private sector involvement and contributions. The Jazlah company plant will further bolster ACWA Power’s efforts in that direction and inspire new RO desalination projects that create new job opportunities, enhance the water sector, and meet Saudi Arabia’s daily water requirements.
Source: constructionweekonline
