Riyadh, December 8, 2024 – The National Water Company (NWC) has achieved a major milestone in environmental sustainability by successfully generating clean energy from wastewater treatment processes at its Heet plant in Riyadh and Ajyal plant in the Eastern Region. This groundbreaking development involves converting emissions from the wastewater treatment process into renewable energy sources, effectively transforming sewage treatment plants (STPs) into environmentally friendly operations.
According to a recent press release, the project is part of NWC’s broader strategy to foster a sustainable environmental sector that not only reduces pollution and operational costs but also provides high-quality services. The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia's commitment to addressing water pollution, reusing treated water, and advancing environmental sustainability in line with Vision 2030.
NWC's efforts in clean energy generation are driven by a clear vision and environmental commitment to provide world-class water services across the Kingdom, enhancing the quality of life for citizens. The company has outlined three key initiatives aimed at producing clean energy from renewable sources: managing sludge from wastewater treatment processes to generate biogas and energy, procuring decentralized wastewater treatment technologies for rural and remote areas, and adopting environmentally friendly technologies for both wastewater and sludge treatment.
The company emphasizes its commitment to optimizing the reuse of sludge to meet environmental protection standards and contribute to sustainable development. By focusing on the circular economy, NWC aims to protect public health and support resource conservation. The sludge from the treatment processes, once digested anaerobically (without oxygen), is converted into biogas—a renewable source of energy used to generate electricity. This biogas is primarily methane gas, which is harnessed to power the treatment plants, reducing reliance on external electricity sources.
NWC’s initiative at the Heet and Ajyal plants has already shown promising results. At the Ajyal plant, approximately 600 kWh of electricity has been generated from biogas, meeting 30% of the plant’s electricity needs. At the Heet plant, around 2,800 kWh of electricity is generated, covering 46% of its basic electrical requirements. These achievements underscore the environmental and economic benefits of producing clean energy at wastewater treatment plants. Not only does it reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize environmental pollution, but it also helps repurpose treated sludge as fertilizer. This can improve agricultural land quality, support land reclamation efforts, and enhance crop yields.
The economic advantages of this initiative are significant. By reducing energy costs and turning sludge into a valuable resource, NWC is effectively conserving resources while reducing the financial burden of traditional energy sources. In addition to these immediate benefits, the company is currently working with relevant authorities to obtain the necessary permits and approvals to further expand the production of biogas and renewable energy at its plants.
As part of its commitment to environmental and economic sustainability, NWC is leading the way in transforming wastewater treatment into a key component of Saudi Arabia's green energy future, contributing to the Kingdom's broader goals under Vision 2030. This initiative highlights the company's dedication to advancing innovation in water services and sustainability, positioning NWC as a leader in both water management and clean energy generation.