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Ahmed Saleh

NEOM Plans Solar Technology for Cost-effective, Environmentally Friendly Water Production

NEOM, Saudi Arabia: In a groundbreaking development, NEOM, the emerging hub for innovation and conservation, made a significant announcement on Wednesday. The company revealed its plans to embrace cutting-edge solar technology, a move that will enable the production of cost-effective and environmentally friendly water. This latest initiative further solidifies NEOM's growing reputation as a trailblazer in the field of sustainable solutions.

In a groundbreaking development, the company has recently inked a significant deal with Solar Water Plc., a renowned U.K.-based firm. The agreement paves the way for the construction of revolutionary "solar dome" desalination plants in NEOM, a prominent region situated in the northwest of Saudi Arabia. This marks a historic milestone, as it will be the first-ever implementation of such innovative facilities in the area. In a groundbreaking development, a pilot project has emerged with the potential to completely transform the water desalination process, offering a glimmer of hope for addressing the global challenge of limited access to fresh water.

Construction on the inaugural "solar dome" is set to commence in February, with an anticipated completion date slated for the culmination of 2020.

In a groundbreaking development, the cost of water production using "solar dome" technology is expected to be substantially lower than traditional desalination plants employing reverse osmosis techniques. With an estimated cost of merely $0.34 per cubic meter, this innovative approach promises to revolutionize the water industry. In addition to its technological advancements, this groundbreaking innovation is poised to make a substantial contribution to environmental preservation. By generating more concentrated brine, a byproduct that has the potential to be detrimental to the ecosystem, the technology will effectively minimize its impact on the environment.

In a statement regarding the project, H.E. Abdulrahman Al-Fadli, the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture of Saudi Arabia, expressed his thoughts. He emphasized that NEOM's decision to implement this pilot initiative is in line with Saudi Arabia's commitment to achieving its sustainability objectives as outlined in the National Water Strategy 2030. Furthermore, he highlighted that this move is fully in sync with the sustainable development goals established by the United Nations.

In a recent statement, Nadhmi Al-Nasr, the CEO of NEOM, emphasized the advantageous position of NEOM in terms of its accessibility to ample seawater and renewable energy resources. Al-Nasr highlighted that this unique combination enables NEOM to effectively and affordably produce sustainable fresh water through the process of solar desalination. The implementation of this technology serves as a potent testament to our unwavering dedication to fostering innovation, advocating for the preservation of the environment, and ensuring an unparalleled quality of life. In a collaborative effort with the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, there are plans underway to extend the utilization of this groundbreaking technology beyond NEOM.

In a ground-breaking development, Solar Water, a pioneering project originating from Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, has successfully implemented Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) technology on a large scale for seawater desalination. This marks a significant milestone in the field, as it represents the first-ever utilization of CSP technology for such purposes. In a groundbreaking method, seawater is meticulously channeled into a state-of-the-art hydrological structure known as the "solar dome," constructed with a combination of robust glass and steel materials. Within this innovative enclosure, the seawater undergoes a series of transformative stages, commencing with a process of intense heating to achieve superheating. As a result, the seawater gradually evaporates, ultimately culminating in the remarkable occurrence of precipitation in the form of pure, fresh water.

In a groundbreaking development, a cutting-edge desalination process known as the "solar dome" has emerged, promising to revolutionize the field. What sets this innovative technique apart is its ability to function even during the night, thanks to the stored solar energy accumulated throughout the day. Notably, this remarkable advancement is expected to significantly decrease the overall production of brine, a byproduct generated during the water extraction process. The high concentration of salt in brine poses a significant challenge and increases the cost of processing. In a groundbreaking development, the solar dome process has emerged as a formidable solution to safeguard marine life from potential harm. This innovative technique ensures that no brine is discharged into the sea, effectively mitigating any adverse effects on the delicate ecosystem.

NEOM's solar desalination project is poised to become a groundbreaking solution for the global water crisis, which affects more than one billion individuals daily. This ambitious initiative not only aims to provide clean water to those in need but also serves as a pivotal test case for other nations grappling with water scarcity. By harnessing the power of solar energy, NEOM's project offers a promising avenue for generating environmentally friendly and sustainable sources of fresh water.

In an exclusive statement, Gavin van Tonder, the esteemed Head of Water at NEOM, expressed his profound enthusiasm regarding the potential of introducing state-of-the-art water technology and innovative industry perspectives to the groundbreaking project. A groundbreaking approach to water utility is being proposed, one that harnesses the power of solar dome desalination techniques. This innovative method promises to not only provide highly effective and efficient water solutions, but also demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes environmental responsibility.

In a recent statement, David Reavley, the CEO of Solar Water Plc, expressed concern over the prevalent reliance on fossil fuels in numerous desalination plants worldwide. Reavley highlighted the detrimental consequences of this practice, emphasizing the poisoning of our oceans through the discharge of excessive brine. Introducing a groundbreaking desalination technology that promises to revolutionize the industry. This game-changing innovation boasts an impressive claim of being 100% carbon neutral, setting a new standard for sustainability in the field. NEOM has recently announced a partnership with a visionary company that shares a profound vision for a harmonious future in sync with the environment.

In a bold move to diversify its economy beyond oil, Saudi Arabia is spearheading the development of NEOM, a groundbreaking project that is set to become the country's flagship endeavor. Spanning an impressive area of 26,500 square kilometers in the northwestern region of Saudi Arabia, NEOM is poised to redefine the nation's economic landscape. This platform presents investors with exclusive investment prospects in various economic sectors and the realm of real estate development.



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