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Lowest Bid Received for RO Seawater Desalination Plant on Saadiyat Island

Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), a leading entity in the integrated planning, purchasing, and supply of water and electricity across the UAE announced the receipt of four proposals for the development of the Saadiyat Island Reverse Osmosis (RO) Independent Water Project (IWP). Acciona Agua has submitted the lowest bid, along with other bidders, Engie, GS Inima Environmental, and a consortium comprising FCC Aqualia and Orascom Construction Industries.

The Saadiyat Island RO project involves the construction of a state-of-the-art greenfield RO seawater desalination plant on Saadiyat Island. This plant will use advanced, low-carbon-intensive RO technology to desalinate approximately 60 million imperial gallons per day of seawater, equivalent to nearly 273,000 cubic meters per day. This project will be the seventh RO water desalination project in EWEC’s portfolio.

Othman Al Ali, Chief Executive Officer of EWEC, stated: “EWEC is focused on transitioning to a reverse osmosis-centred infrastructure, and with this key project, we are a step closer to achieving our strategic goal of producing 90 percent of water through reverse osmosis capacity by 2030, and ensuring nearly carbon-free water production by 2031. Our mission aligns with the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036, ultimately contributing to the achievement of the UAE Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative. We look forward to collaborating with the selected partner to further strengthen Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s position as a leading hub for sustainable development.”

The low-carbon-intensive RO technology offers more than an 85 percent reduction in emissions compared to traditional thermal desalination. By 2031, EWEC aims to reduce carbon emissions associated with water desalination in Abu Dhabi to less than one kilogram per cubic meter.

The Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued to bidders who passed the qualification process following the expressions of interest (EOI) stage. A total of 41 companies and consortiums submitted EOIs, with 19 qualifying for the RFP stage after submitting statements of qualification.

Following the submissions, the proposals will undergo a detailed technical and commercial evaluation process to select the best proposal. The awarding announcement and the execution of the Water Purchase Agreement are expected to take place in Q4 2024, with commercial operations anticipated to commence in Q3 2027.

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