Saudi Gazette report

RIYADH — The Al-Shaqeeq Desalination Plant has become operational and is now feeding 42,500 cubic meters of desalinated water per day to Asir and Jazan.

The recently inaugurated mega development project of the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC) aims to support its diverse resources and enhance its production capabilities.

The groundwork of the Al-Shaqeeq project was laid in December last year. Completed in only six months, the plant became operational in record time and well ahead of the specified period. In fact, the project was completed in one-third of the specified time.

“Al-Shaqeeq” is one of nine new plants with modern technologies set up on the Red Sea coast designed to meet the needs of various regions and cities of the Kingdom, within the ambit of its sustainable water development, and its persistent plans to achieve the goals of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030.

It as a pioneering industrial entity in the desalination industry, and an effective contributor to the national economy and comprehensive development, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) said Tuesday.

The new desalination plant operates is based on the Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology, with a production capacity of 42,500 cubic meters of desalinated water per day. It meets the increasing demand for desalinated water in the regions of Asir and Jazan.

This is in addition to achieving a new record in the low consumption of electricity at the rate of 3 KW/cubic meter, which is a record figure for desalination plants operating with Reverse Osmosis (RO) technology.

It demonstrates the superb ability of desalination to utilize the scientific research and its applications to upgrade production units, energy efficiency, and development of desalination plants.

The SWCC has replaced the marine filtering system with a self-filtering system as it uses the ‘Variable Speed Motors’ technology in all engines operating in the project. Also. it is using high-quality water analysis equipment and devices for measuring the Silt Density Index (SDI) automatically, and linking it to the distribution control system.