The Emirates Water and Electricity Company and Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power have signed the water purchase agreement for the world’s largest sea water reverse osmosis desalination plant to be constructed at Taweelah Power and Water Complex, 50 km north of Abu Dhabi, at a cost of up to $900 million.
The Taweelah IWP will be the first stand-alone independent water project in Abu Dhabi.
Emirates Water and Electricity Company had awarded the project to ACWA Power in January 2019.
The project, when constructed, will set a world record by utilizing the lowest amount of energy per gallon of desalinated water produced.
“Our decision to bid for the Taweelah IWP demonstrates our confidence in the Emirates Water and Electricity Company as a reliable partner and confirms our commitment to contribute to the development of the United Arab Emirates by increasing our participation in the power generation and water desalination sectors,” said President and CEO of ACWA Power Paddy Padmanathan.
“Through the Taweelah IWP and the enabling environment provided by Abu Dhabi, we are proud to be setting new global bench marks in both the cost of desalinated water and the energy consumed in producing that water.”
Following the final award, construction of the project has started with the completion expected in October 2022. The plant is expected to deliver 909,200 cubic meter of water per day to support the industries and the community at Al Taweelah and the surrounding areas. The plant will also play a role in catering to Abu Dhabi’s peak water demand, which is expected to rise by 11 percent between 2017 and 2024.
“This is an especially significant project, not only because of its scale but also in its role in securing cost-effective and energy efficient potable water supply for Abu Dhabi,” said Chief Investment Officer of ACWA Power Rajit Nanda.
“This project is yet another testament to ACWA Power living its mission of reliably delivering electricity and desalinated water at the lowest possible cost.”
