Aden, March 19, 2025 — The Saudi Development and Reconstruction Program for Yemen (SDRPY) continues to make significant strides in fostering sustainable development across Yemen, focusing on vital sectors such as water, health, education, and infrastructure. Among the program's most impactful efforts are its extensive initiatives aimed at improving the water sector, one of eight critical areas supported by SDRPY. Through 58 projects and initiatives in this sector alone, the program is enhancing water resource management, increasing water distribution efficiency, and diversifying water sources in both urban and rural areas, playing a pivotal role in addressing Yemen’s pressing water challenges.
Notably, two landmark projects designed to enhance water security through the use of renewable energy in the governorates of Aden and Hadhramaut exemplify SDRPY's dedication to fostering long-term sustainability in Yemen’s water sector. These projects, executed in partnership with the Selah Foundation for Development, demonstrate how renewable energy can be integrated into critical infrastructure to ensure reliable and cost-effective access to water, while also reducing the environmental impact of traditional energy sources.
In Aden, the project focuses on the Bi'r Ahmed field, where 10 wells are being upgraded to operate on solar power. The solar power station, with a production capacity of 600 kilowatts, will replace the previous reliance on conventional electricity sources, which were both costly and inconsistent. By harnessing solar energy, the project is not only reducing operational costs but also increasing the water production capacity of the field by an impressive 36%. The upgraded system is expected to benefit around 800,000 residents in the governorate, providing a more sustainable and efficient solution to their water needs.
Similarly, in Hadhramaut, SDRPY's water security project is addressing the region's water scarcity by diversifying water sources and improving the capacity to meet the basic water needs of the population. This initiative focuses on nine districts across both the coastal and valley regions of the governorate. Through the integration of solar-powered systems, the project significantly reduces the reliance on fuel for well operations, ensuring greater sustainability and minimizing the environmental footprint. With a direct impact on around 1.7 million people, the initiative strengthens water security and improves the quality of life for those living in one of Yemen’s most water-stressed regions.
The implementation of renewable energy solutions in these water security projects is part of SDRPY’s broader efforts to support Yemen’s recovery and development across multiple sectors. To date, SDRPY has launched 264 projects and initiatives that span a wide array of critical areas including education, health, energy, agriculture, fisheries, transportation, and capacity building for the Yemeni government. These efforts are providing much-needed relief to communities across Yemen, fostering resilience, and promoting sustainable development that can endure long after the completion of the projects.
Through these initiatives, SDRPY is not only addressing immediate humanitarian needs but also investing in long-term solutions that enhance the capacity of Yemeni communities to manage their resources effectively. The program’s focus on renewable energy in key infrastructure projects is a forward-thinking approach, ensuring that Yemen’s recovery is built on the principles of sustainability and self-sufficiency.